By Uchenna Mathew, Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch Taskforce on Illegal Practice of Law
The first year of the NBA Lagos Branch Taskforce on Illegal Practice of Law has demonstrated what purposeful leadership, collective commitment and a clear mandate can achieve. Under the leadership of Moshood Abiola, the Taskforce has moved from identifying the problem of illegal practice to taking concrete steps to confront it.
One of its significant achievements has been creating visibility for the Taskforce. Members of the Branch, lawyers from other branches and members of the public now have a platform through which complaints about illegal practice can be reported and addressed.
During the year, the Taskforce investigated complaints involving fake lawyers, impersonation, alleged counterfeit NBA Stamps and Seals, unlawful preparation of title documents and the collection of legal fees by corporate organisations. Where necessary, it issued cease-and-desist letters, petitioned law enforcement agencies and followed up on prosecutions.
The Taskforce also identified the real estate sector as a major area of encroachment into the legal market. It engaged REDAN, raised public awareness through a press conference and pursued institutional engagement with the Lagos State Government and LASRERA. The LASRERA engagement resulted in an agreement to establish a Joint Working Group to develop practical strategies for tackling illegal practice within the real estate sector.
These gains have been driven by the leadership and strategic direction of Moshood Abiola, complemented by the hard work, commitment and contributions of every member of the Taskforce. Investigations, stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment and enforcement efforts have required collective effort, often beyond the formal demands of committee service.
The achievements of the past year are therefore a collective accomplishment of the Taskforce. They reflect what can be achieved when committed members work together under focused leadership towards a common objective.
The Taskforce has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead. With continued institutional support and the same spirit of collective commitment, it can build on these gains and further strengthen the NBA Lagos Branch’s efforts to protect the legal market, uphold professional standards and safeguard the public from illegal legal practice.
Uchenna Mathew
Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch
Taskforce on Illegal Practice of Law
