UK Lawyers Can’t Practise In Nigeria — FG Clarifies

The Federal Government yesterday made a U-turn on its earlier statement on the legal aspect of the enhanced trade and investment partnership signed with the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

This came after criticism from Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, trailed the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with the UK.

Giving clarification on the issue yesterday, the Minister for Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement on her X handle, retracted her earlier statement, emphasising that there was no such legal agreement between Nigeria and the UK.

She said: “Earlier today (yesterday), Nigeria signed a far-reaching MoU with the United Kingdom for enhanced trade and investment partnership.

“Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggest that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practise in Nigeria. We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MoU.”

The minister reiterated that Nigeria had no Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitment under the MOU or elsewhere, to allow UK-licensed lawyers practise in the country.

Weighing in on the issue at a media briefing yesterday, NBA president Yakubu Maikyau asserted the objection of the NBA to the MoU.

Maikyau noted that it was, indeed, unfortunate that ”this tragic reminder of our colonial past, is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the government of Nigeria.

“What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the wellbeing and livelihood of millions of Nigerians could be taken without any consultation, especially with the NBA.” (vanguard)