Headlines

House of Representatives Urges Government to Halt UK Lawyers’ Practice in Nigeria

Amidst growing concerns over a proposed trade partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a firm stance, urging the federal government to halt its signing and implementation.

Published

1 month ago

March 19, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

House of Representatives Urges Government to Halt UK Lawyers' Practice in Nigeria

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the federal government to refrain from signing and implementing a trade partnership with the United Kingdom, permitting UK-trained lawyers to practice within Nigeria. This decision was made following a motion presented by 49 lawmakers in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

The House also directed its Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements to investigate the matter and report within four weeks. The motion was prompted by recent reports and public outcry over Nigeria’s purported economic and trade partnership with the UK, particularly concerning energy, legal, and financial services opportunities.

Members of the House expressed concern that the proposed trade deal appears to be unfairly biased in favour of the UK, especially regarding the legal sector. They highlighted that the partnership only allows UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria without reciprocity, disadvantaging qualified Nigerian lawyers.

You May Also Read:

UK-Nigeria Trade Agreement: A Tragic Reminder of Our Colonial Past

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the House insisted that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment immediately halt the signing and implementation of the trade partnership with the UK. Lawmakers warned that failure to address these concerns could result in unfavourable terms for Nigeria and its citizens.

National Assembly Calls for Review of Trade Partnership Amid Concerns Over Legal Practice

However, the government, led by President Bola Tinubu, clarified that reports suggesting the permission for British legal practitioners to practice in Nigeria were inaccurate. The Federal Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, affirmed that no provision in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowed UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

Nevertheless, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) viewed the purported policy as threatening Nigerian lawyers’ livelihoods. NBA President Yakubu Maikyau announced plans to convene a meeting of senior lawyers to strategize on opposing the policy and challenging its legality, even up to the Supreme Court if necessary.

The House’s resolution underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to protect the interests of Nigerian lawyers and the legal profession. As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns and whether further action will be taken to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s legal sector.

ATTENTION:

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material and other digital content on this website, in whole or in part, without express and written permission from Legal Attorney Blog is strictly prohibited.

Exciting news! The Legal Attorney Blog is now on WhatsApp Channels. Subscribe today by clicking the link and staying updated with the latest legal news.