Nigerian Lawyers Vow to Fight UK Trade Agreement All the Way to Supreme Court

Nigerian Lawyers Vow to Fight UK Trade Agreement All the Way to Supreme Court

In a bold move to protect their legal market, Nigerian lawyers have vowed to challenge the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. The landmark agreement, which is the first of its kind with an African country, aims to create opportunities in various sectors, including financial and legal services.

The Department for Business and Trade announced that the agreement will allow for the facilitation of lawyers from both countries to practice foreign and international law in each other’s jurisdictions. However, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, has deemed the legal services aspect of the deal as ‘unacceptable in its entirety.’

Maikyau stated, “The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter. We intend to fully challenge the legality of this agreement all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.” He called on all members of the NBA to prepare for the upcoming struggle, emphasizing that the association will not allow any intrusion into their legal space.

Legal market experts have noted that the Nigerian legal profession is not yet ready to embrace foreign lawyers practicing in the country. Alison Hook, founder of consultancy Hook Tangaza, stated, “No one from inside the NBA or those involved with the regulation of cross border practice in Nigeria has ever given the impression that they were ready to seriously entertain foreign lawyers having greater rights to practice in Nigeria.”

Law Society president Nick Emmerson clarified that the trade agreement does not include binding provisions to liberalize the practice rights of UK qualified lawyers in Nigeria. He explained that the agreement is aspirational and provides a platform for UK and Nigerian legal stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue on mutual interests.

Emmerson highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Nigerian legal communities, emphasizing the benefits for clients and trade between the two countries. He expressed the Law Society’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with the Nigerian Bar Association and continuing to collaborate on international practice of law issues.

As the legal battle looms ahead, it is clear that Nigerian lawyers are determined to protect their legal market and uphold the integrity of their profession. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of legal services between the UK and Nigeria.