NBA Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Trade Minister Over UK Lawyers’ Practice in Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, from allowing UK-licensed lawyers to practice law in Nigeria. This request comes in response to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the NBA argues could adversely affect the interests of Nigerian legal practitioners.
The NBA’s legal action calls for “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant (Minister of Trade) from discussing or further discussing and/or implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, otherwise known as the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement dated 13th February 2024 in so far as it relates to legal practice or services.”
The NBA contends that permitting UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria would “prejudice the interests, well-being, and livelihood of legal practitioners in Nigeria.” The association believes that the implementation of such an agreement would undermine local legal professionals and compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s legal system.
The MOU in question is part of the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement signed earlier this year, which aims to foster greater economic collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. However, the NBA maintains that its provisions relating to legal practice are detrimental to the Nigerian legal community.
The court’s decision on this matter is expected to have significant implications for the legal profession in Nigeria, particularly regarding the practice rights of foreign lawyers within the country. The outcome will determine whether the MOU’s controversial provisions will be upheld or blocked, shaping the future landscape of legal services in Nigeria.
