NBA JALINGO BRANCH VISITS TAGIS, SECURES COMMITMENTS ON NBA LAND, LAND ALLOCATION FOR LAWYERS AND PROTECTION OF LEGAL PRACTICE

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jalingo Branch, has secured positive commitments from the Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS) on matters concerning the welfare of lawyers, access to land and the protection of the statutory role of legal practitioners in land transactions in Taraba State. The commitments were made during a courtesy visit and strategic engagement by the leadership of the NBA Jalingo Branch with the management of TAGIS on 18 August 2026 at the Agency’s headquarters along Donga Road, Jalingo. The delegation, led by the Chairman of the NBA Jalingo Branch, Dr. D. P. Saredau, was warmly received by the Director-General of TAGIS, Surv. Dr. Joshua Mark Ma’aku, alongside other Directors of the Agency. In his remarks, Dr. Saredau explained that the visit was intended to formally introduce the newly elected executives of the NBA Jalingo Branch to the management of TAGIS and to explore areas of mutually beneficial collaboration between both institutions, particularly given their respective roles in land administration and the legal processes associated with land transactions in Taraba State. Against this background, the Branch Chairman raised a number of issues of importance to members of the Branch and the wider legal profession. He appealed to TAGIS to support the proper enforcement of legal requirements relating to land documentation and to ensure that instruments of conveyance, including Deeds of Assignment, are duly prepared by qualified legal practitioners and properly executed in accordance with applicable legal requirements, including the requisite lawyer’s seal and NBA stamp where applicable. Dr. Saredau also sought the intervention of TAGIS on the need for the NBA Jalingo Branch to have a permanent operational structure. He requested the allocation of a parcel of land to the Branch, preferably in the vicinity of the land earmarked for the proposed new High Court Complex at Jenbambu, along Mayo Dassa Road, Jalingo. He explained that such an allocation would provide the Branch with an appropriate location for the development of a permanent structure and further strengthen the relationship between the legal community and institutions within the justice sector. In addition, the Branch Chairman appealed to TAGIS to establish a framework through which interested members of the Branch could access plots within government layouts. The request was presented as part of the Branch’s broader efforts to promote the welfare and professional development of its members. Responding to the issues raised, the Director-General of TAGIS, Surv. Dr. Joshua Mark Ma’aku, gave positive assurances on the requests made by the Branch. He assured the delegation that a parcel of land would be allocated to the NBA Jalingo Branch in the vicinity of the proposed new High Court Complex. The Director-General further assured the Branch that the Agency would work out appropriate modalities for facilitating the allocation of plots within government layouts to interested lawyers through the Branch. On the issue of land documentation and the role of legal practitioners, the Director-General expressed his commitment to putting mechanisms in place to ensure that land certification and documentation processes comply with applicable legal requirements and that the statutory role of lawyers in land transactions is not impeded. The engagement marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the NBA Jalingo Branch and TAGIS and provides a platform for continued institutional collaboration on issues affecting the legal profession and land administration in Taraba State. The leadership of the NBA Jalingo Branch appreciates the openness and positive response of the TAGIS management and remains committed to engaging relevant institutions and stakeholders in advancing the interests and welfare of members, protecting the integrity of legal practice and contributing to the development of the legal profession in Taraba State. The Branch also appreciates the continued support of its members and looks forward to the implementation of the commitments arising from the engagement.