Legal Documentation: NBA Seeks EDOGIS Collaboration
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, (otherwise known as the Lion Bar) has solicited the collaboration of Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) in the actualisation of the minimum standard of legal documentation and remuneration for it’s members.
The NBA, Benin Branch, led by its Chairman, Idemudia Iredia Osifo Esq. made this known recently during a courtesy visit on the Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr. Tony Ikpasaja in his office.
Idemudia Osifo Esq., while congratulating the Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr. Tony Ikpasaja commended him for taking effective charge of the Agency and hitting the ground running in the discharge of his mandate.
He informed that when his new executive came on board in August last year and decided to review the regulation Order that regulates how lawyers at branch levels charge their fees in the process of drafting Deed, it was discovered that they were being shortchanged.
He therefore appealed to the EDOGIS boss to collaborate with NBA in the enforcement of the proposed initiative which enables lawyers collect their 10% fees before the Deed gets to EDOGIS.
He said the NBA was proposing a Bill to the State House of Assembly to give effect to the remuneration process where Lawyers get their percentage; the NBA gets its share and the State Government, through EDOGIS also gets its own fair share.
Responding, the Managing Director, EDOGIS, Dr. Tony Ikpasaja welcomed the lawyers and described their proposed initiative as laudable, moreso as it was a novel idea in the Federation.
He said the Agency under his leadership welcomed a good working relationship with the NBA and pledged his support to them.
While congratulating the NBA executives on their election, the EDOGIS MD used the opportunity to refresh their minds on the critical situation in EDOGIS when Gov. Okpebholo came on board and now, when the Agency is sailing perfectly based on the Governor’s reforms and innovations so far put in place.
He disclosed that EDOGIS under his watch, has taken it’s services to Ekpoma and Auchi to enable those at the grassroots access the benefits thereof.
Dr. Ikpasaja however sued for the NBA cooperation in resolving the crises from communities bordering on lands, a development he noted, has nearly turned EDOGIS into an Arbitration Centre.
Consequently, it was resolved that a Stakeholders meeting be convened, consisting of land and legal officers to look into the issue.
