A recent article published by The Nigerian Lawyer on January 12, 2025, sparked controversy over claims that the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had unfairly blamed past administrations for the rising cost of the stamp and seal, as well as the discontinuation of free stamps. Interestingly, the article, which was notably unsigned, has drawn significant attention from members of the Bar.
In response, an attendee of the NBA Fireside Chat Amb. Clement Eddy-Fredrick Esq has provided a detailed clarification, refuting the claims and offering insight into what truly transpired during the discussion. Below is the attendee’s statement:“I recently read the article published on The Nigerian Lawyer concerning the NBA Fireside Chat. As someone who attended the virtual meeting,
I must say the piece does not accurately reflect what transpired during the discussion. Allow me to clarify some key points for accuracy.
1. The Issue of Increased Cost:
The NBA Secretariat addressed the issue of the increased cost of the stamp and seal comprehensively during the meeting. It was established that the price of ₦4,000 per pack had remained unchanged since the introduction of the stamp and seal in 2015 under the leadership of Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN. 
To provide some perspective:
• In 2015, fuel sold for ₦87–₦97 per liter, the exchange rate was ₦199 to $1, and a sachet of water cost ₦5.
• Today, fuel costs ₦1,000 per liter, the exchange rate hovers around ₦1,700 to $1, and the prices of most goods have increased by more than tenfold.
Given this economic reality, the decision to adjust the price from ₦4,000 to ₦7,000 is not only reasonable but conservative when compared to the skyrocketing cost of other commodities. This adjustment ensures the sustainability of the stamp and seal process while keeping costs as affordable as possible for members.
2. Delays in Production:
The General Secretary explained that the delays in stamp and seal production in the past were largely due to debts and the inability to meet production costs. With the revised pricing structure, a turnaround time of just five working days after a successful application is now achievable—a significant improvement in service delivery.
3. The Issue of Free Stamps:
The matter of free stamps was also addressed. According to the General Secretary, the policy of providing free stamps was discontinued due to financial constraints. The NBA had incurred over ₦160 million in unpaid production costs, leading to the suspension of the program. However, the current administration has since cleared the backlog of free stamp applications and is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient system moving forward.
4. Personal Testimony:
As someone who recently applied for their stamp and seal through the NBA Digital App, I can personally attest to the progress being made. The application process at the revised price was seamless, and I trust that the promised turnaround time will be met.
The attendee concluded by calling for constructive engagement with the current administration, stating:
“As we enter the third week of January, I believe it is only fair to give this administration time to deliver on its promises. Early indications suggest that the leadership is proactive and committed to providing an efficient and sustainable bar for all members. Let us continue to engage constructively, support the administration, and give them the opportunity to serve us better.”
This response sheds light on the strides being made by the NBA to address the challenges surrounding the stamp and seal process. While constructive criticism is necessary for growth, it is equally important to ensure that our commentary is fair, factual, and reflective of reality.
As members of the Bar, let us focus on building a more sustainable and efficient association, while fostering accountability and transparency in our engagements.
Setting The Record Straight On The Cost Of Stamp And Seal.
