The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has officially opened the window for payment of the annual Bar Practicing Fee (BPF) for lawyers enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The payment period, which began on January 1, 2025, will close on March 31, 2025.
In an announcement made by NBA General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association underscored the importance of timely BPF payments. Lawyers who pay promptly will continue to enjoy a wide range of benefits, including coverage under the Leadway Assurance Scheme, access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), eligibility for Notary Public status and the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, and participation in NBA and Branch elections. Additionally, paying the BPF allows for the issuance of a letter of good standing.
The fee varies depending on the number of years a lawyer has been enrolled. Senior Advocates and Honorable Benchers will pay ₦50,000, while those with 15 or more years post-call will pay ₦25,000. Lawyers with 10-14 years of experience are required to pay ₦17,500, while those with 5-9 years must contribute ₦10,000. Finally, those with 1-4 years post-call will pay ₦5,000.
To make the payment, lawyers must visit the NBA Portal. Individual payments can be made by logging in with their enrollment number, email, and password, selecting the BPF Payment option, and following the instructions to complete the payment. Group payments, covering up to 25 individuals, can also be made, with receipts sent directly to each lawyer and the initiator.
For any inquiries or assistance, NBA officials Blessing (National Treasurer), Ezekiel, and Bayo are available to provide support between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Dr. Ojibara closed the statement by urging all lawyers to make their payments on time to ensure they continue benefiting from the many privileges of their legal profession. He also wished them a productive and successful year ahead
