In a vehement response to the purported agreement permitting United Kingdom attorneys to practice law in Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a scathing condemnation. The NBA’s stance was articulated in a press release disseminated by the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), characterized the alleged policy as a dire threat to Nigerian lawyers and their families’ livelihoods. Maikyau expressed deep concern over what he perceives as an attempt to marginalize local legal professionals.
Maikyau stated, “My attention was drawn to the news-making round on a number of media platforms on the alleged signing of the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement between the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It was reported that this agreement seeks to enable cooperation between the two countries in areas such as financial and legal services. More bewildering is the stated provision that will allow lawyers from the United Kingdom to practice in Nigeria. Understandably, this news has generated tremendous disquiet within and outside the legal profession in Nigeria.”
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The NBA President criticized the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment for hailing the agreement as a “ground-breaking” development, citing it as “ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed.” Maikyau lamented the lack of consultation with the NBA, emphasizing the adverse impact on millions of Nigerian lawyers and their dependents.
In a detailed account of his opposition to the agreement, Maikyau highlighted his consistent disapproval during interactions with UK legal bodies. He stressed the wide knowledge and skills gap between Nigerian and UK lawyers, asserting that Nigerian professionals would be unable to compete favorably if the agreement were implemented.
Maikyau underscored the UK’s unlikely willingness to compromise its legal professionals’ interests, contrasting it with Nigeria’s disregard for local lawyers’ welfare. He deemed the agreement’s lack of consultation with the NBA as insensitive and vowed to challenge its legality through all available legal means, including potential litigation up to the Supreme Court.
The NBA’s unequivocal rejection of the ETIP agreement reflects broader concerns within the legal community regarding the protection of local professionals’ interests amidst international partnerships.
The announcement signals escalating tensions surrounding Nigeria’s legal landscape and its relationship with foreign entities, highlighting the complexities of international trade agreements in the legal sector.