by Legalnaija | Aug 7, 2025 | Blawg
To enhance the abilities of Chief Executive Officers and leaders of public and private institutions to effectively apply international law in boosting win-win trade, investment and development opportunities, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), in partnership with the International Law Association invites applications for its new Senior Executive Course in International Law and Sustainable Development.
This two part course will be held in Abuja and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Key Program Features
In-depth legal and policy instruction using primary sources and case law
Strategic capstone project and international negotiation simulations
Access to the 7th ASSELLMU Conference on Environmental Law in the Digital Age
One-on-one executive coaching and 360° leadership assessment
Distinguished guest faculty and policy practitioners
Optional financial literacy course
Alumni networking and post-program mentorship
Register here:
https://studies.ila-nigeria.org.ng/the-senior-executive-course-in-international-law-and-sustainable-development/
by Legalnaija | Jul 24, 2025 | Blawg
On 23rd September 2023, Suella Braverman, The Home Secretary of The United Kingdom made a speech regarding illegal immigration at the Conservative conference in Manchester, England. She asserted that uncontrolled and illegal migration is an “existential challenge for the political and cultural institutions of the West”.[1] The Home Secretary added “uncontrolled immigration, inadequate integration, and a misguided dogma of multiculturalism have proven a toxic combination for Europe over the last few decades.”[2] Mrs. Braverman’s speech was met with resounding uproar from NGOs, campaigners, politicians and human rights groups who viewed the Home Secretary’s statement as a nod to stop immigrants from coming to the UK’s borders by any means necessary.
As the topic states, illegal immigration is a global phenomenon and a big issue for a lot of so-called “developed countries”. There are millions of illegal immigrants across the globe. Since the start of the 21st century, the numbers of displaced people has increased from 38 million to nearly 86 million.[3] According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, there are approximately 10.5 million illegal immigrants living in the United States.[4]According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), there may have been between 800,000 and 1.2 million illegal migrants living in the UK in 2017.[5] All these statistics indicate that illegal migration across the globe has doubled since 2000. This article shall define what illegal immigration means, the reasons for illegal immigration and its impact on the world at large.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, an illegal immigrant is someone who lives or works in another country when they do not have the legal right to do so.[6] An illegal immigrant is often classified as an undocumented immigrant. Illegal immigration, on the other hand, is the arrival of people from one country into another country without entering via legal methods.[7] What this means is that people who migrate to another country without legal documents are illegal immigrants.
There are several reasons for illegal immigration such as poverty, overpopulation, wars, natural disasters, deprivation of citizenship, family reunification and asylum. The primary reason for illegal immigration is due to wars. Conflict in any country leads to displacement of people. As a result of this, many people seek safety in another country via asylum. There are many examples of this such as the recent Russian-Ukrainian war where millions of Ukrainians have fled to neighboring countries such as Russia, Poland, Moldova and Romania. According to the United Nations, more than five million Ukrainian refugees have left for neighbouring countries, while seven million Ukrainians are presumed to be displaced within Ukraine itself.[8] The war between Israel and Hamas had led to the evacuation of thousands of Palestinians to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan.
Poverty is the secondary reason for illegal immigration. Millions of people emigrate illegally for economic reasons. In my country Nigeria, for example, thousands of people have illegally migrated to Europe via the Sahara in search of greener pastures due to poor mismanagement of the economy. Thousands of Venezuelans are crossing the border to Colombia due to economic uncertainty at home. Overpopulation is another reason for illegal migration. When the population growth of a country outstrips the carrying capacity of area, it leads to overpopulation. Human population explosions can lead to issues such as lack of water, pollution and poverty. These problems may cause people to flee their country of origin to foreign countries through illegal means. A classic example of this is the mass emigration of Mexicans to the U.S. Mexico, with a population of over 120 million people, is very densely populated, has a weak and unstable economy and is a haven for drug cartels. China and India are the most populous countries in the world and as such, have the largest diaspora in the world.
There is also something called “population size imbalance”. This occurs when the population of a region/continent continues to outstrip that of a neighboring continent/region. For example, whereas the populations of Latin America and the Caribbean and North America where about the same size in 1950, today the population of Latin America is nearly double that of Northern America and is projected to remain so for a while.[9]
Natural disaster is one of the factors encouraging illegal immigration. Millions of people around the globe have been displace due to weather related (natural disaster) issues such as flooding, earthquakes, storms, wildfires and extreme heat. The UNHCR (United Nations Human Rights Commission) has estimated that an annual average of nearly 22 million people have been forcibly driven from their homeland by natural disasters.[10] Deprivation of citizenship is another reason for illegal immigration. Ethnic groups that have been stripped of citizenship by the state end up being stateless. As such, they don’t have the necessary legal documents to migrate to other countries and end up becoming illegal immigrants. A good example of this is the Rohingya muslims. The military junta of Myanmar (Burma) stripped the Rohingya of their Burma citizenship, classing them as illegal immigrants and rendering them stateless.
The issue of family reunification is also another catalyst for illegal immigration. Many illegal immigrants desire to live with relatives who already reside in a country that they (the illegals) are not allowed to enter, such as a spouse of other family members. There are many people who overstay the terms set out in their visas in the jurisdiction they are in with no intention of going back to their home countries. They are called visa overstayers. A lot of these people arrive with a visiting visa and end up staying in the destined country after their visas expire. For example, during the Summer Olympics in Australia in 2000, many athletes from different corners of the globe overstayed their visa.
Impact of Illegal Immigration
The impact of illegal immigration across the globe could either be positive or negative depending on one’s perspective. The impacts of illegal immigration are as follows:
- A strain on a country’s Public Facilities
Illegal immigration causes a strain on a many countries public facilities as the “illegals” utilize public services such as health facilities, public schools, transportation and public housing without paying taxes.
- Loss of jobs for citizens of destination country:
Several governments see illegal immigrants as a threat to their citizens when it comes to the job market. Illegal immigrants are willing to work for lower pay in contrast to the local population. For example, illegal Mexican laborers are willing to do dirty jobs such as gardening, cotton picking and trash collecting at a cheaper rate than American citizens. The same goes with Eastern European immigrants in the United Kingdom.
- Injury and Illness:
The pursuit of employment is a primary reason for illegal international migration. Ac recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau affirms that undocumented immigrants in the United States often work in dangerous industries such as agriculture and construction. Another study suggests that the complex web of consequences resulting from illegal immigration status limits illegal workers’ ability to stay safe at work. Apart from the physical dangers that illegal immigrants are exposed to at work, the choice to move across borders in search of employment entails work-related lifestyle factors that affect the physical, social and mental well-being of immigrants and their loved ones.[11]
- Rise in Criminal and Terrorist Activities:
One of the problems with illegal immigration is that a good number of illegals are involved in criminal activities. Illegal immigration brings about both good and bad eggs to any society. There are numerous examples of illegal immigrants committing crimes in their host country. For example, the rise of illegal immigration in Sweden and Denmark led to the increase in criminal related activities such as rape and assault.
- Death:
Another effect of illegal immigration is the increasing death rate of illegal immigrants attempting to make it to their preferred destination. Every year, many African illegal immigrants die trying to get into Europe by boat from North Africa. Smugglers make empty promises of “safe passage” to Europe but only a few survive that journey.
- Sexual Exploitation:
An unfortunate trend with illegal immigration is the sexual exploitation of illegal immigrants otherwise known as sex trafficking. Sex trafficking encompasses the range of activities involved when a trafficker deploys a variety of methods such as force or coercion to compel another person to engage in a commercial sex act.[12]In 2016, it is estimated that nearly four million adults and one million minors were forced into sexual labor.[13]This number would have doubled since then due to higher levels of unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Conclusion
Illegal immigration is a global issue that affects many countries across the globe. The recent economic downturn has led to the rise of right-wing populist parties across Europe. Many countries are tightening their borders making illegal immigration very difficult. Despite this, illegal immigration continues to increase due to high unemployment figures in the global south, wars (such as the civil war in South Sudan and the Russian-Ukrainian war) and globalization. These figures will continue to rise until the economic disparity between the developed north and the poor south is closed.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] https://news.sky.com/story/home-secretary-suella-braverman-calls-for-reform-of-global-asylum-system-in-us-speech-12970458
[2] https://news.sky.com/story/home-secretary-suella-braverman-calls-for-reform-of-global-asylum-system-in-us-speech-12970458
[3] https://www.globalissues.org/news/2022/12/01/32550
[4] https://news.gallup.com/businessjournal/24448/Real-Impact-Illegal-Immigration.aspx
[5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50420307
[6] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/illegal-immigrant
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/illegal-immigration
[8] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60555472.
[9] https://www.globalissues.org/news/2021/10/27/29174
[10] https://www.glo78balissues.org/news/2022/12/01/32550
[11] https://eartheclipse.com/environment/issue/causes-effects-illegal-immigration.html
[12] https://www.state.gov/humantrafficking-about-human-trafficking/
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10113716/
Photo: cato.org
by Legalnaija | Jul 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
Franchise law is a relatively niche area of law in Nigeria. It is not as common as other areas of law in Nigeria. Franchising is a commercial aspect of law. Many law students would be familiar with the word ‘franchise’ from commercial law and contract law. Nigeria does not have a specific Franchise legislation like such countries as Brazil [Brazilian Franchise Law (Law No. 8955 of December 15, 1994)], Australia [Trade Practices (Industry Codes-Franchising)] or China [Measures for the Administration of Commercial Franchise)(2005)].[1] In this article, we shall discuss franchise law and franchise related laws in Nigeria.
What is a franchise? According to the International Franchise Association, a franchise is “the agreement or license between two legally independent parties which gives a person or a group of people (franchisee) the right to market a product or service using the trademark or trade name of another business (franchisor)”.[2] In layman terms, a franchise is a contract between two parties where one party (franchisee) agrees to market a product of another party (franchisor) in return for financial remuneration.
Franchise law on the other hand, is the law regulating the offer or sale of Franchises, business opportunities, seller-assisted marketing plans or similar relationships, or governing the relationships between franchisors and franchisees, manufactures and dealers, or grantors and distributors, including those laws that address unfair practices related to, or the non-renewal or transfer of, franchises, dealerships and distributorships.[3]What this means is that franchise law is a law that governs the relationships between a party who agrees to market/distribute a product (franchisee) on the behalf of the other (franchisor).
As was previously stated, Nigeria does not have a specific law in regards to franchising. However, just because there is no franchise specific law does not mean that franchising as a whole is not regulated in Nigeria. There are numerous laws in Nigeria that influence franchising in the country. Franchising is comprised of the following list of laws: Company Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Labor Law, and Employment Law.[4]In scenarios where the franchisor is a foreign entity, other areas of law apply such as Immigration Law, Foreign Investment Law, Foreign Exchange Law and Money Laundering Law.
We shall now analyze the following statutes that have impacted franchising in Nigeria:
- The Trademark Act 1965 (Cap 436, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 199). This deals with Trademarks, which is an aspect of Intellectual Property Law. As previously stated, intellectual property law is an element of franchising.
- The Patents & Design Act 1970 (Cap 344, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990); This Act makes provisions for the proprietorship of Patents and Designs in Nigeria.[5] The 1970 Act is not franchise specific but has elements of franchising as a result of patents and designs.
- The Copyright Act 1988 (Cap 68, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990); This piece of legislation is concerned with the ownership of copyrights in Nigeria. It is not a franchise-specific legislation but copyright is under intellectual property law which is an element of franchising. Section 3 of the Act talks about copyright by reference to country of origin. What this means is that any copyright that is published or made in Nigeria shall make reference to the country of origin of the copyright itself. Section 4A grants a company established under the laws of a country that is a party to an obligation to a treaty or other international agreement to which Nigeria is a party the right to own its copyright in Nigeria.[6]
- National Office of Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) Act No. 70 of 1979 (Cap 268 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990). This Act regulates the transfer of foreign technology to Nigeria. A franchise arrangement is regarded as involving the transfer of technology and as such is regulated by the provisions of the NOTAP Act. It should be noted that NOTAP is not the regulatory act for franchising in Nigeria. Section 4(d) and (e) of the NOTAP Act grants NOTAP the power to register franchise agreements involving franchisors. The section goes further to state that the agreement shall be registered if in the opinion of NOTAP, it involves the use of trademarks, the right to use patented inventions, the supply of technical expertise in the form of the preparation of plans, diagrams, operating manuals or any other form of technical assistance of any description whatsoever, the provision of operating staff or managerial assistance and the training of personnel etc.
- The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act (Decree No. 16 of 1995). The NIPC Act is responsible for registering foreign investments in Nigeria, as well as liaising between investors and government.
- The Immigration Act 2015 (Cap. 171 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990). This statute regulates the movements of persons entering or leaving Nigeria. This statute provides that any company with non-nationals must obtain a business permit in order to carry on business in Nigeria. Section 36(1) (b) of the Act states that any immigrant who wishes to conduct any business in Nigeria must obtain the consent of the Nigerian Minister of Interior in writing.[7]
- The Immigration Regulations 2017; Like the Immigration Act 2015, this act stipulates that any company with non-nationals must obtain a business permit in order to conduct any business in Nigeria. Section 4(1) of the Act asserts that for a foreign company to establish a business in Nigeria, it must first of all obtain a business permit from the Minister of Interior otherwise known as the “Minister”.[8] This is not franchise specific but it could be said that for a franchisor to set up a franchise in Nigeria it would need to obtain a business permit from the Minister of Interior.
- The Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. This act deals with the registration and exemptions of foreign companies in Nigeria. Any foreign entity that intends to set up a business in Nigeria must incorporate a local company for that purpose. Section 78 of the Act asserts that any foreign company that intends to carry out business in Nigeria shall take all necessary steps to incorporate the company as a separate entity in Nigeria and until such act is achieved, cannot conduct business in Nigeria.[9]
Agencies that Regulate Franchising in Nigeria
In many jurisdictions, thee are special agencies that regulate franchising and implement franchise-specific laws and regulations. However, in Nigeria, there is no specific-designated franchise agency. What you have are agencies that regulate elements of franchising such as:
- The Registrar of Trademarks, Patents and Industrial Design, Federal Ministry of Commerce;
- The Nigerian Copyright Commission which is under the Ministry of Culture;
- The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion;
- Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and
- The Corporate Affairs Commission.
Conclusion
Nigeria does not have a franchise-specific legislation. However, as previously mention, many laws in Nigeria affect franchising agreements directly and indirectly. Does Nigeria need a franchise-specific legislation? Sure it does. As Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investment into its jurisdiction, there will be a need to regulate the activities of foreign companies in the country in order to protect local businesses (franchisees).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
LIST OF STATUTES
- Copyright Act (Cap. 68, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 as amended by the Copyright Amendment Decree No. 98 of 1992 and the Copyright (Amendment) Decree 1999).
- Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.
- Immigration Act, 2015.
- Immigration Regulation, 2017.
- Nigerian Investment Promotions and Commissions Act,
LIST OF WEBSITES
Babatunde Denton is an associate of The City Law Associates. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2016 and specializes in immigration law, commercial law and intellectual property law. His contact address is Suite 3, 18 King George V Street, Onikan, Lagos. Email address is denton@citylaw.ng.
[1] http://www.nigerianfranchise.org/images/NiFA_Newsletter_03_05_14.pdf
[2] https://archive.businessday.ng/professional-services/article/franchising-law-in-nigeria/#:~:text=Nigeria%20does%20not%20have%20a%20franchise-specific%20legislation.%20In,Disclosure%20Act%20of%202006%29%20that%20have%20franchise-specific%20laws.
[3] https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/franchise-law
[4] https://archive.businessday.ng/professional-services/article/franchising-law-in-nigeria/#:~:text=Nigeria%20does%20not%20have%20a%20franchise-specific%20legislation.%20In,Disclosure%20Act%20of%202006%29%20that%20have%20franchise-specific%20laws.
[5] http://www.commonlii.org/ng/legis/num_act/pada195/
[6] Copyright Act (Cap. 68, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990 as amended by the Copyright Amendment Decree No. 98 of 1992 and the Copyright (Amendment) Decree 1999).
[7] Section 36 (1)(b) of The Immigration Act 2015, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
[8] Section 4 (1) of The Immigration Regulations, 2017
[9] Section 78 (1) of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 2020.
by Legalnaija | Jul 3, 2025 | Blawg, Uncategorized
Good afternoon, distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, and partners.
I am pleased to welcome you all to the 19th Annual International Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, Section on Business Law.
We are gathered here today not just for another conference but for what has become a defining tradition: an annual meeting of minds across industries, disciplines, borders, and generations. And it is fitting that we return to this space, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heart, to reflect, learn, and chart a way forward in our legal profession.
The theme of this year’s conference, “The Future of Business Law in an Intelligent Age,”could not be more timely. We are witnessing a global redefinition of how business is conducted, how information is processed, and how value is created. Artificial intelligence, data ecosystems, and predictive technologies are no longer ideas on the horizon; they arehere and now – today’s realities that we must engage with directly, as lawyers, as business leaders, as policymakers, and as players in every economic space.
This moment demands that we, as a legal community, become not just participants but shapers of the future. We cannot afford to remain observers on the sidelines of technological change. We must be architects of legal frameworks that are responsive, adaptive, and bold enough to embrace the unknown without sacrificing our principles. This means strengthening our engagement with regulators, legislators, and institutions, ensuring that the law evolves alongside innovation, not behind it.
Through plenaries, breakout sessions, fireside chats, master classes, and informal conversations, we will interrogate the intersection of law, innovation, regulation, investment, and impact. This year, we are especially honoured to have His Highness, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, deliver our keynote address; his experience as a reformer and thought leader will set a powerful tone for the work ahead. Over the next 3 (three) days, we will explore how emerging technologies are transforming industries, from manufacturing and aviation to fintech, healthcare, entertainment, and education, and ask ourselves what role we must play to ensure that business law remains not only relevant but indispensable in shaping the future. This year’s programme has been carefully curated to ensure that we are leading the ongoing discussions around shaping contextually relevant, commercially sound, and socially conscious responses.
This conference is not just about the future of business law; it is about the future of business. As Africa positions itself as a hub for innovation, trade, and investment, the Nigerian legal community has a critical role to play in shaping policies, fostering trust, and driving the integrity of markets across the continent. What we discuss here will echo far beyond this hall, and the ripple effects of our ideas and actions will be felt in boardrooms, courtrooms, startups, government houses, and classrooms.
What makes this gathering truly powerful is not just the programme, it is the people. This
year, we welcome over a thousand delegates, seasoned professionals, young lawyers, regulators, senior advocates and leaders of this profession, public servants, entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors. Each of you brings your experience, perspectives, and energy. I encourage everyone connect, collaborate, contribute. To the lawyers, I say this – whether you advise multinationals, lead internal legal teams, or represent SMEs navigating change,
there is something for everyone here: insight, tools, and connections that can strengthen how you show up in your role and for your clients.
I would like to thank the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his leadership of our bar, and his support for this Section. I would also like to thank the executives of the NBA who at various times alongside our President have provided support and guidance to me in my role as the chairman of this section. Let me take a moment to acknowledge and thank the phenomenal team that made this conference possible, the 2025
Conference Planning Committee under the committed leadership of Ms. Solape Peters (Chair) and Mr. Oludare Senbore (Vice chair). I also thank our sponsors and partners, whose support reflects their belief in the importance of this platform. To all our resource persons who have so graciously committed their time and expertise – you have our
gratitude. And the SBL Executive Committee and Secretariat, whose tireless behind-thescenes work has brought this vision to life – thank you. Over the past year, we have deepened our investment in capacity-building, expanded our digital footprint, and created new spaces for dialogue across sectors. The SBL continues to evolve, and I am proud of the energy, inclusiveness, and direction this leadership team has championed.
As we open this 19th edition of the NBA-SBL Conference, let us remind ourselves that we are here not just to witness change, but to influence it. Not just to talk, but to act. Not just to listen, but to lead.
I hope that by the time we leave this venue in a few days, we will do so with more than just conference bags and notebooks; we will go with new ideas, new relationships, new perspectives, and a renewed commitment to making business law work for this intelligent, ever-evolving age. On behalf of the NBA-SBL Executive Committee and the Conference Planning Committee, I welcome you all.
Thank you.
by Legalnaija | Jun 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held its press conference ahead of the 19th Annual International Business Law Conference, a premier gathering of legal professionals, members of the press and business leaders. The program commenced at 11:00 AM, with Miss Rachel Olayemi serving as the anchor. After introducing herself, Miss Olayemi provided an overview of the day’s program. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by the Chairman of the NBA-SBL, who provided insight into the core objectives and significance of this year’s conference.
In her address, the Chairman emphasized that the conference was not simply a response to changing times, but a deliberate effort to lead the transformation of business law both in Nigeria and globally. She noted that in this era of digital information and artificial intelligence, the legal industry must actively engage in shaping the future. This year’s program was thoughtfully curated to reflect the “era of intelligence” in business across vital sectors of the economy.
She went on to explain that the conference would feature five plenary sessions and six breakout sessions, in addition to networking events, and would conclude with a closing party. She stated that the conference would host members of the press, policymakers, legal professionals, and industry stakeholders, underscoring its national and international importance.
Following the welcome address, Mrs. Solape Peters, a partner at DLA Piper and the Chairperson of the 19th Conference Planning Committee, shared her reflections on the purpose and expected outcomes of the event. She pointed out that technology now lies at the heart of every industry, and the business law sector must not lag behind. She highlighted the collaborative role of the Business Law Section with the National Assembly in drafting legislation that will foster a favorable environment for business operations in Nigeria.
Mrs. Peters also remarked that the Section on Business Law is renowned for organizing conferences that shape legal and regulatory discourse and directly influence how governance affects business. This year’s conference, she said, is designed to spark a mindset shift among those unfamiliar with emerging developments and to offer fresh perspectives to those already on the path of legal innovation. She also announced that two specialized masterclasses would be introduced this year.
Mrs. Peters further acknowledged the immense support of sponsors, stating that their continued partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the successful hosting of the conference year after year. She noted that the planning committee had engaged stakeholders from the regulatory, public, and private sectors, with the expectation that the discussions and outcomes of the event would help drive legal and policy reforms.
Also speaking at the opening session was Mrs. Yeside Asolo, a partner at Kayode Sofola & Associates and the Content and Program Chairperson. She provided a detailed breakdown of the conference schedule. According to her, the event would commence with a lunch on July 2nd, while the main sessions would begin on July 3rd, featuring four plenary sessions covering international trade, healthcare, and technology. The third day, would focus on sectors such as manufacturing, power, oil and gas, and aviation. The conference would conclude with a closing party, offering attendees the opportunity to unwind and network in a relaxed atmosphere.
Finally, the Chairperson of the Media Strategy Committee also addressed the audience, highlighting the media plan for the year. She stated that the media strategy is designed to:
- Showcase the value of the conference to all attendees,
- Attract professionals seeking networking and collaboration opportunities, and
- Draw global attention to the significance of the NBA-SBL conference as a leading platform for business law discourse in Africa.
The emphasis was on using strategic media engagement to amplify the impact of the conference beyond the legal community and to demonstrate the NBA-SBL’s commitment to influencing national policy, legal reforms, and business-friendly regulatory frameworks.
In conclusion, the NBA-SBL 19th Annual Business Law Conference promises to be an intellectually stimulating and strategically significant event, with a clear focus on technology, innovation, collaboration, and legal reform. With diverse participation from legal practitioners, policymakers, industry experts, and international stakeholders, the conference is set to shape the future trajectory of business law in Nigeria and beyond. The inclusion of targeted masterclasses, comprehensive plenary sessions, and structured networking opportunities underscores the Section’s commitment to providing value, relevance, and impact to the legal and business communities it serves.
by Legalnaija | Jun 20, 2025 | Blawg
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) is pleased to announce the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement with the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). This strategic partnership aims to enhance the arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) landscape and foster stronger economic and trade relations between Nigeria and China.
The signing ceremony took place during the China-Africa International Arbitration Cooperation Conference /China-Africa Trade Export in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The President/Chairman, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN was represented by the Registrar/CEO of NICArb Mrs Shola Oshodi- John who attended the event as a keynote speaker and panel discussant. Mr. WANG Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CIETAC represented CIETAC at the signing ceremony. The event took place 13th – 15th June 2025.
According to Mrs Oshodi-John, FCArb, the agreement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two leading arbitration institutions. Under the terms of the agreement, NICArb and CIETAC will work together to promote arbitration and mediation as a preferred method of dispute resolution in international trade and investment. The cooperation will include the exchange of ideas, joint hosting of seminars, conferences, and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of arbitrators in both countries. This agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s arbitration and mediation frameworks and build closer ties with our counterparts in China. We are confident that this partnership will lead to more efficient and effective commercial dispute resolution, benefiting both countries’ businesses and investors.”
Mr. Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman of CIETAC, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are delighted to partner with NICArb in this important initiative. By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise to promote arbitration and mediation as a reliable and efficient means of resolving disputes. This cooperation will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of economic and trade relations between China and Nigeria.”
The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) is the premier Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Institute in Sub-Saharan Africa, founded in 1979 by the late renowned legal luminary and former Judge of the World Court in The Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola SAN, KBE, CFR. NICArb is dedicated to promoting the practice and growth of arbitration and ADR in Nigeria. CIETAC, one of the world’s leading arbitration institutions, has a long history of providing high-quality arbitration services for international commercial disputes.
This cooperation agreement is expected to pave the way for increased collaboration and knowledge sharing between NICArb and CIETAC, ultimately contributing to the advancement of arbitration and mediation practices in Nigeria and China.
by Legalnaija | Jun 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) is proud to announce His Royal Highness, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II PhD (London) CON, as the Keynote Speaker for the 19th Annual Business Law Conference, scheduled to take place from July 2nd to 4th, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
His Royal Highness. Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is globally renowned for his bold economic reform advocacy, intellectual depth, and principled public service. His keynote address is expected to set a compelling tone for the conference, offering critical insights at the intersection of law, governance, and innovation—perfectly aligned with this year’s theme: “The Future of Business Law in an Intelligence Age.”
In addition, the conference will host an esteemed delegation of special guests whose presence underscores the growing collaboration between the legal profession, the judiciary, and the business and policy communities.
Expected at the conference are Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Honourable Minister of the Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Judge of the Federation, Chief Judge Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN their presence highlight the pivotal role of technology and digital policy in shaping the future of legal practice and commerce.
Speaking on the announcement, Mrs. Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of the NBA-SBL, stated:
“The presence of His Royal Highness and our distinguished guests not only reflects the relevance of our theme but also affirms our shared commitment to advancing the frontiers of business law in Nigeria. This year’s conference is poised to offer powerful insights, robust discourse, and lasting impact.”
Ms. Solape Peters, Chair of the Conference Planning Committee, added:
“We’re building a conference that looks boldly into the future—one that challenges assumptions and equips legal professionals for the intelligence age. With this exceptional lineup, we’re confident that the 2025 conference will be one of our most transformative yet.”
Registration for the conference is currently still ongoing; there are limited slots for physical attendance and virtual attendance is still open. Legal practitioners, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators are encouraged to secure their place at what promises to be a landmark event.
by Legalnaija | Jun 16, 2025 | Blawg
The 2025 NBA Lagos Law Conference brought together some of the sharpest minds and most influential voices in Nigeria’s legal landscape—and they did not disappoint. Over the course of this dynamic gathering, thought-provoking commentary, bold declarations, and powerful insights echoed through every panel and plenary. In this post, we’ve curated 17 memorable quotes that capture the spirit, challenges, and aspirations that defined today’s event.
- “As lawyers, it is our responsibility to contribute to the fight against corruption and uphold the integrity of our profession.”
- Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN – Chairman ICPC
- “There are several issues that need to be addressed, and it is essential for lawyers to take a proactive role in promoting accountability and transparency.”
- Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN – Chairman ICPC
- The Regulation of Technology and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our practice is becoming increasingly prevalent, and it is crucial that we regulate its use to prevent potential abuses. Self-regulation is essential, as external forces may impose regulations if we fail to do so.”
- Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu – ICPC Chairman
- Conduct of lawyers in Court must be scrutinized, the NBA must put its feet down and maintain ethical standards. Correcting lawyers now is difficult as this might land a judge a petition written against him or her… Nigeria does not have a policy on AI, and this is not good. More needs to be done in this regard.”
- Honourable Justice Isaac Essien NICN
- “The critical problem we have as lawyers is that the NBA is unable to fully participate in decision-making. In the LPA, there is no role for the NBA. As such, there is a need for us to interrogate this. We are handicapped and we need to flee from the shackles of government.
- Panel Chair Olisa Agbakoba SAN
- “AI is a phenomenal tool, but we have to know how to handle it. We must control it. Someone with human discretion must over see it, if not, AI can land you in trouble.” –
- “In using AI, don’t use it as a shortcut rather, learn to use AI tools to teach yourself.”
- Rotimi Ogunyemi, Managing Partner, BOC Legal
- “It is also important to note that law is very jurisdiction specific. Thus, research tools have to be fine-tuned to your jurisdiction to be safe.”
- “If you’re not looking at using technology now as a lawyer, you will be sidelined. So it’s time to go into the field.” –
- Oktay Curebal, CEO of Fifty2
- On whether AI will replace Human Judgment?
“There would be some level of replacement because there are services/platforms online today that help people conduct certain tasks and help them make decisions easily rather than going to an expert.”
- Chike Obianwu, SAN, Deputy Managing Partner, Templars
- Artificial intelligence is only a co-pilot. The legal practitioner is the captain.” –
- Oktay curebal, CEO of Fifty2
- All professions are under attack, and we need collective action amongst all.the stakeholders to be able to move things “
– Mr. Soji Apampa, Chairman, Convention of Business Integrity
- On whether AI will replace Human Judgment?
“There would be some level of replacement because there are services/platforms online today that help people conduct certain tasks and help them make decisions easily rather than going to an expert.”
- Chike Obianwu, SAN, Deputy Managing Partner, Templars
- “Artificial intelligence is only a co-pilot. The legal practitioner is the captain.” –
- Oktay Cürebal, CEO of Fifty2
- “The Nigerian Bar Association must learn to self regulate so that outsiders will not regulate the NBA.”
- Mrs Titi Akinlawon SAN, Founding Partner, Akinlawon & Ojomo
- “Companies are critical users of legal services. Lawyers and the judiciary define everything we do. However, there are challenges they face with the judicial system, for example, being a victim of an exparte injunction, which was to elapse in 7 days, but it took them 7months to vacate.
The judiciary has therefore become a nightmare for today, and we have no confidence in the judiciary as we won’t get justice at all, or it’s going to take us so long to get us justice. Hence, when we go into an agreement today, we try to ensure it doesn’t lead to litigation.”
- We are more emotional beings than we are rational. We all lack a sense of common wealth, and until we develop on this, we are going to have a lot of problems. We need to stop the culture of begging. We need to make sanctions apply as this will make people sit up.” –
- Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo/ Former Attorney General of Ogun State
Spanning an entire week, the NBA Lagos Law Conference 2025 is more than just a moment—it’s a movement. With daily sessions, networking mixers, and groundbreaking conversations, the energy is set to ripple across the legal community for months to come. As you share your experience, insights, and favorite moments online, don’t forget to tag @Legalnaija to keep the conversation going and help amplify the voices shaping the future of law in Nigeria. Let’s take the dialogue beyond the venue and into the world.
#NBALagos2025 #Legalnaija
#annuallawconference25
#Letsbelawyersagain
#nbalagos
#nbalagosconference2025
by Legalnaija | Jun 12, 2025 | Blawg
DOA’s 4th TMT Business Series Charts Path from Startup Buzz to Digital Infrastructure
The 4th Annual TMT Business Series, hosted by commercial law firm Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA), took place on June 5, 2025, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the theme “Beyond the Startup Frenzy: Building the Infrastructure for a Digital Nigeria,” the forum convened policymakers, investors, founders, and regulators to explore the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.
In the opening address, DOA Partner Omowunmi Sanni called for stronger legal, financial, and regulatory systems to support scalable innovation. She reiterated DOA’s commitment to enabling business growth through strategic legal support and cross-sector collaboration.
The keynote was delivered by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. He spotlighted national initiatives including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and the country’s broadband expansion goals. He stressed the importance of digital infrastructure and inclusive policy frameworks in bridging economic divides and driving long-term transformation.
In a fireside chat moderated by Lehle Balde, Dr. Tijani emphasized the role of identity systems, payment infrastructure, and data interoperability in building a competitive digital economy.
Two expert-led panels followed. The first, Tech Profitability Playbook – Who’s Really Winning?, moderated by Esohe Ibinoba (Venture Builder), featured Ashim Egunjobi (Managing Partner, Octerra Capital), Mudiaga Mowoe (CEO, MATTA), Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku (Managing Partner, Ventures Platform), Deepankar Rustagi (CEO, OmniRetail), and Biola Alabi (Venture Partner, Delta40). They discussed sustainability, value creation, founder evolution, and the need to digitize Nigeria’s informal sector.
The second panel, Innovation & Regulation – Finding Common Ground, was moderated by Morayo Adebayo Adisa (Director, Government Affairs and Policy, Mastercard, West Africa) and featured Olatunbosun Alake (Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State) Florence Abebe (Head of Legal, FCCPC), Ezichim Oweagba (Head, Institutional Partnerships, Quidax), and Johnson Oyewo (Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Nigeria). Speakers explored inclusive policymaking, regulatory agility, consumer protection, compliance by design, and regulatory sandboxes for digital innovation.
A key highlight was the pitch competition, where eleven startups pitched solutions spanning health, fintech, sustainability, and education. Trashcoin Limited emerged winner of ₦10 million in legal services, while Kryptr IP Enterprise Ltd and Pay U Technology Ltd won ₦5 million and ₦3 million in Legal Representation respectively. Judges included Iretimipo Kukoyi (Managing Partner, Kaleo Ventures), Yomi Jemibewon (Co-Founder, CardinalStone Capital Advisers), Samson Esemuede (Managing Director, Zrosk Investment Management), and Yewande Adewusi (COO, Alitheia Capital).
The 2025 edition reinforced DOA’s positioning as a key legal partner in building the systems and structures that power Nigeria’s digital future.
by Legalnaija | Jun 10, 2025 | Blawg
In business and personal dealings, clarity is everything. That’s where written agreements come in—they establish clear expectations, minimize misunderstandings, and provide legal protection. Whether you’re entering a partnership, hiring a contractor, or securing a loan, having the terms in writing ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Here’s why written agreements matter:
– Clarity & Certainty: They outline obligations, timelines, and expectations, leaving no room for vague interpretations.
– Legal Protection: A well-drafted agreement serves as evidence in case of disputes, making it easier to enforce rights.
– Accountability: By documenting responsibilities, they ensure all parties uphold their end of the bargain.
– Prevention of Disputes: Clear agreements reduce the likelihood of conflicts by addressing potential issues upfront.
Without a written agreement, verbal promises can easily be forgotten or misrepresented. To safeguard your interests, always ensure your agreements are documented and legally sound.
Need to create a legally binding agreement? Visit @Legalnaija on https://www.legalnaija.com to get started.
