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MEETING:NBA Jalingo Takes Firm Stand on E-Filing, Magistrates’ Welfare, Remuneration Law at First 2026 Congress


By our Correspondent.
The Jalingo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Wednesday held its first Monthly Congress meeting for the year 2026, setting a decisive tone on critical issues affecting legal practice and justice delivery in Taraba State.

The well-attended meeting took place at the Justice Adamu Aliyu Bar Center and commenced promptly at 10:00am with an opening prayer led by Pastor Sunday Sunday Stephen, Esq.

In his welcome address, the Branch Chairman, Martin Milkman Karel, Esq, expressed appreciation to members for their commitment and active participation, describing the meeting as a strategic starting point for a purposeful legal year. Members subsequently reviewed the minutes of the previous congress, which were carefully scrutinised, amended where necessary, and formally adopted on a motion moved by Bar John Odekina and seconded by Vaatsav Benson (Lord Lord Ben), Esq.

Deliberations under “Issues Arising” featured robust engagement, beginning with concerns over the implementation of the e-filing system. Members expressed discomfort with an outright reliance on electronic filing, advocating for the continued operation of hard-copy filing alongside e-filing until practitioners are fully accustomed to the digital process.

A major highlight of the congress was the passionate debate on the welfare of magistrates, which members unanimously described as critical to the effective administration of justice. Lawyers decried the current state of affairs where magistrates commute under undignified conditions, sometimes sharing commercial tricycles with accused persons or litigants.
Members stressed that magistrates deserve functional official vehicles to enhance mobility and preserve the dignity of the bench. The full implementation of the Harmonisation Law, particularly as it relates to magistrates’ salaries, was also strongly advocated. Consequently, the congress resolved to constitute a committee to interface with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the Chief Judge of Taraba State, with a view to engaging the state government on the matter.

On the NBA Remuneration Order, the congress made it clear that the law is non-negotiable. Members were reminded that the minimum professional charge for agreements remains 10 per cent for transactions of ₦50 million and below, while transactions above that threshold attract higher charges. The congress emphatically warned that from February 2026, any lawyer who charges below the approved scale would face disciplinary action.

The meeting also featured deliberations on other professional matters and concluded with the formal welcome of newly enrolled lawyers into the Jalingo Bar.
The congress ended on a note of renewed resolve, as members reaffirmed their commitment to upholding professional standards, protecting the integrity of the judiciary, and strengthening justice delivery in Taraba State.

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