EFCC dispute over foreign currency legal fees

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially issued a warning to Nigerian legal practitioners, stating that demanding professional fees in US dollars is illegal and unethical. The commission noted that the Naira is the only legal tender and that such practices violate national financial regulations and Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines. Officials warned that lawyers found charging in foreign currency could face criminal prosecution and disciplinary action from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Following this, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede clarified the agency’s position during a meeting with an NBA delegation. He stated that previous comments from the Lagos Zonal Directorate suggesting these practices are criminal did not represent a blanket commission policy and were “taken out of context.”

During the discussions, the NBA President expressed concerns that charging fees in foreign currency does not inherently constitute a criminal offense. The NBA urged the EFCC to follow due process and avoid “media trials or sensational arrests.” The EFCC Chairman pledged continued collaboration with the legal profession to address economic crime while acknowledging concerns regarding the conduct of certain personnel.