The Nigerian Bar Association has raised concerns over the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, known as the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which includes provisions allowing English lawyers to practice in Nigeria.
The NBA contends that this aspect of the agreement puts Nigeria’s legal profession at a disadvantage and vows to resist it through legal means.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, expressed the association’s displeasure, stating, “We want to make it very clear that the ETIP agreement, insofar as it relates to legal services, is unacceptable in its entirety. The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter.”
He emphasized that the agreement would compromise Nigeria’s legal space.
Maikyau criticized the decision, describing it as a “tragic reminder of our colonial past.” He questioned the government’s lack of consultation with the NBA, expressing disappointment that a decision with such significant implications was made without engaging the legal association.
The NBA president highlighted the skill gap between Nigerian lawyers and their British counterparts, cautioning against an agreement that could disadvantage local legal professionals.
“Even if we are to enjoy reciprocity with the UK (which is not an acceptable position), the knowledge and skills gap is so wide that we cannot favorably compete with the lawyers from the UK,” he added.
Maikyau also criticized Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investments, Doris Uzoka-Anite, accusing her of being “unpatriotic” for suggesting that the agreement would bring “more money for Nigeria.”
The NBA president declared that the association, under his leadership, would not allow any incursion into Nigeria’s legal space.
The agreement was formally signed on Tuesday, aimed at boosting trade and investment between Nigeria and the UK.
However, the NBA’s opposition raises concerns about the potential impact on the local legal profession, prompting a commitment to legal resistance to protect the interests of Nigerian lawyers.
