Understanding Nigeria's Clarification on UK-Nigeria Bilateral Deal Regarding Legal Practice

The Nigerian government has clarified aspects of the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) signed with the United Kingdom, following backlash from Nigerians over alleged one-sided agreements.

Nigeria’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anitie, addressed the concerns raised after a statement by the UK’s Department of Business and Trade suggested an agreement allowing UK lawyers to practice international law in Nigeria.

Uzoka-Anitie, in a thread on X, walked back her earlier statement and said there was no such legal agreement between Nigeria and the UK, emphasizing that the partnership focuses on various sectors of mutual interest, including finance, healthcare, and agriculture.

“The partnership was well thought-out and painstakingly negotiated by Nigerian experts across various sectors.

“It touched on areas of mutual business interests including finance, technical barriers to trade, healthcare, investment, customs and trade facilitation, agriculture, intellectual property, the creative industry, and legal services—to mention a few.

“Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggests that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practice in Nigeria.

“We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MOU.”

She reiterated that Nigeria does not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the UK and made no commitment to allow UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria under the MOU.

Foreign licensed lawyers, including those from the UK, cannot currently practice in Nigeria, as stated in the MOU.

Recall that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had also condemned the purported agreement, saying the statement credited to the minister was “ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed.”

The Nigerian government’s clarification on the UK-Nigeria bilateral deal regarding legal practice provides much-needed clarity and reassurance amidst the controversy surrounding the agreement. By reaffirming existing regulations and emphasizing the importance of collaboration over unrestricted access, the government demonstrates its commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Moving forward, stakeholders must work together to leverage opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange, ensuring that the ETIP delivers tangible benefits for both Nigerian and foreign legal practitioners alike.