The Federal Government has retracted its earlier statement regarding the permission for United Kingdom (UK) lawyers to practice in Nigeria. This backtrack comes after widespread criticism from various quarters, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Initially, Nigerian Minister for Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, had announced that UK-trained lawyers could practice in Nigeria under an Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership signed between the two countries. However, following intense scrutiny, Uzoka-Anite clarified through her social media account that there was no provision or agreement in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria.
She emphasized that Nigeria does not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitments regarding the practice of UK-licensed lawyers within Nigeria’s jurisdiction. This clarification underscores the current legal stance where foreign licensed lawyers, including those from the UK, are not permitted to practice law in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Bar Association, led by its President, Yakubu Maikyau, had strongly condemned the initial announcement, labeling it as “ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed.” The association’s stance highlights the sensitivity and complexity surrounding cross-jurisdictional legal practice between Nigeria and the UK.
While the debate regarding cross-jurisdictional legal practice continues among stakeholders within the Nigerian legal community, the Federal Government’s clarification reaffirms the existing legal framework that prohibits UK lawyers from practicing in Nigeria.
