Connect with us

General

G. Elias, LCIA Want More Adoption of Arbitration in Legal Disputes

Published

on

G. Elias

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.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

General

Lagos Seals Radio Station, Others for Noise Pollution

Published

on

Wise FM Lagos

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A radio station, Wise FM, has been sealed by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

The premises of the broadcast media platform, located on Ogabi Street, Meiran, Ile-Iwe Bus Stop, were shut by the state government on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, alongside other establishments across different parts of Lagos State for alleged persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and opportunities provided for compliance.

In a statement by LASEPA, it was disclosed that the enforcement exercise was carried out in response to various environmental infractions, including noise pollution, air pollution, obstruction of official duties, and failure to comply with its directives.

As regards Wise FM, it was said that it was sealed for noise and air pollution as well as non-compliance with the Agency’s directives.

Another organisation affected, Star-View Terrace, located in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, was shut down for noise pollution and non-compliance with the agency’s directives, while Premiership Suites, located at Akin Osiyemi Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, was sealed for non-compliance with the agency’s directives.

Speaking on the enforcement operation, the General Manager of LASEPA, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, reiterated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment across Lagos State.

He stressed that both individuals and corporate organisations have a responsibility to comply with environmental laws and regulations, stressing that environmental protection remains a collective duty that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The LASEPA boss warned that the agency would continue to intensify enforcement actions against violators in order to curb environmental nuisances and protect residents from the harmful effects of pollution.

Mr Ajayi urged residents, business owners, and operators of commercial establishments to adopt environmentally responsible practices and cooperate with regulatory authorities in promoting a healthier, cleaner, and more livable Lagos.

Continue Reading

General

LPPC Temporarily Strips Mike Ozekhome of SAN Title

Published

on

mike ozekhome SAN title

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Renowned legal practitioner, Mr Mike Ozekhome, has been directed to desist from using the prestigious title of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for now pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings against him.

He is being investigated by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), a body which looks into complaints against lawyers in Nigeria.

Announcing the suspension of the prominent lawyer’s SAN rank on Thursday, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr Kabir Akanbi, said the disciplinary action was taken at the committee’s 173rd general meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

Mr Akanbi, who doubles as the Secretary of the LPPC, stated in the statement that the temporary ban is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the SAN rank while the matters under review are being considered.

It was explained that the suspension was pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank, adding that it is tied to disciplinary proceedings currently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other related proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect,” a part of the notice disclosed.

It stressed that, “Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.”

The title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is the highest honour bestowed upon legal practitioners in the country, recognising excellence and long-standing contributions to the legal profession. The LPPC is the statutory body empowered to award and withdraw the rank.

Mr Ozekhome is one of Nigeria’s famous constitutional lawyers, human rights activists, and public commentators, but lately, his name was mentioned in an alleged forgery in the United Kingdom.

Continue Reading

General

Senate Passes State Police Bill

Published

on

Senate Petroleum Industry Bill

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The bill seeking to establish state police in Nigeria was on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, passed by the Senate during a plenary presided over by the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio.

The piece of legislation was passed today after more than two-thirds of the lawmakers in the red chamber of the National Assembly voted in support via a manual voting process involving the raising of hands.

Before the passage at the plenary, the chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Mr Barau Jibrin, presented the panel’s report to his colleagues.

According to him, the bill will transform policing in the country and boost security, as it allows the sub-nationals to create their own policing system.

The bill provides for the Federal Police Service to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, while the State Police Service will be led by a Commissioner of Police, who will be appointed by the governor of the state, subject to confirmation by the state’s House of Assembly.

To prevent the misuse of state police against political opponents or critics, ensuring that any action taken against such individuals or groups complies with due process and existing laws, the bill prohibits the Commissioner of Police of a state from arresting, detaining, investigating, or deploying force against any critic of the state governor, except in accordance with the law.

After the clauses of the bill were considered at the Committee of the Whole, the bill was passed and will be transmitted to the President for assent into law.

Continue Reading

Trending