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G. Elias, LCIA Want More Adoption of Arbitration in Legal Disputes
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerian business law firm, G. Elias, in collaboration with the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), has called for increased use of arbitration as an effective option in settling legal disputes in Africa.
In arbitration, disputing sides agree to give their disagreement to one or more judges, who then make a final decision that both sides must follow. In essence, when the parties choose arbitration instead of going to court, they choose a private way to settle their disagreement.
At the LCIA West Africa Road Show 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, the firms provided an overview of the international arbitration, highlighting key developments and their potential impact on businesses operating in Africa.
The discussion centred on the recent trends, considerations, and challenges of arbitration in Africa.
The event, themed Arbitration in commercial disputes: Some Trends, Considerations and Challenges brought together arbitration practitioners in-house counsel, legal practitioners, academics, and members of the business community to engage in insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of international arbitration.
The panel session considered the key considerations for choosing arbitration in commercial disputes, and explored the advantages and disadvantages of arbitration compared to other forms of dispute resolution, offering practical guidance on when arbitration might be the most suitable option.
Also, insights on the common challenges encountered in international arbitration proceedings and best practices for overcoming them were elaborated on.
Speaking at the event, Mr Okechukwu Okoro, Deputy Managing Partner, G. Elias said, “We are delighted to have partnered with the LCIA to bring this important event to Lagos. Arbitration is an increasingly popular method for resolving commercial disputes in Africa, and it is crucial that businesses are aware of the latest trends, considerations, and challenges in this area.
“As Nigeria’s business landscape continues to grow, we believe that robust arbitration mechanisms are essential for fostering trust and confidence in cross-border transactions. This event is a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among key stakeholders in the Nigerian legal community.”
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the LCIA, Director General, London Court of International Arbitration, Mr Jacomijn Van Haersolte-Van Hof, said, “Thank you G-Elias for hosting this event because what we want as an institution is an effective arbitration. Of course, we promote LCIA arbitration, our first goal is, however, to promote efficient and effective arbitration. To that effect, we have created the LCIA Organisation in London. I have learnt a lot during the Panel session, and I am sure that we all will stay committed to ensuring the effectiveness of arbitration.”
The Panel session was moderated by Mr Ayodeji Adeyanju; Senior Associate, G. Elias had the following panel members: Mr Jide Adesokan (Partner, Stephenson Harwood); Ms Noella Lubano (Partner, Oraro and Company Advocates); Mr Oluropo Okunmuyide (Head Litigation and Dispute Resolution, First Bank Nigeria Limited); and Mr Abubakar Anafi (Partner, G Elias).
The panellists charged arbitrators to be independent, impartial, and neutral while they also need to be firm and use modern clauses from recognized institutions such as the LCIA. They also charged arbitrators to leverage technology but should be cyber security conscious by being cautious of the potential risks of using technology such as hacking, technology illiteracy, virtual hearing, and data privacy breachers.
To improve arbitration in Nigeria, the panellists charged the government to provide regular training for arbitration judges, amend the constitution, implement the effectiveness of cost sanctions for parties and ensure that the court is very aware and savvy about arbitration in allowing enforcement.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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