House of Reps calls for scrapping of trade deal that allows UK lawyers to practise in Nigeria

NIGERIA'S House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment to halt the signing and implementation of the trade partnership with the UK that allows their lawyers to practise in Nigeria.

As part  of a trade agreement currently being negotiated between the two nations, UK-trained lawyers would be able to practise in Nigeria. Theoretically, Nigerian lawyers would enjoy the same privilege too but the reality of the situation is that the agreement is wholly one-sided, which is what has prompted the House to suggest the suspension of the agreement until the terms and conditions governing the same are fully examined and ascertained.

In addition, the House resolved to investigate the matter and has asked the trade minister to appear before its Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements within four weeks. A motion to this effect was sponsored by the minority leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda and supported by the majority leader, Julius Ihonvbare and 47 other members from across the six geo-political zones.

Moving the motion on behalf of the sponsors, Hon Chinda informed the House of recent reports and public outcry over an alleged economic and trade partnership between the UK and Nigeria aimed at exploring new opportunities in key sectors such as the energy, legal, and financial services sectors. He said the trade deal became very heightened some days ago as the legal aspect appeared lopsided and tilted mainly in favour of the UK to the detriment of qualified Nigerian lawyers because it seeks to allow UK lawyers to enter the Nigerian legal space and practice but not vice versa.

Hon Chinda added that under the trade deal referred to as Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, Nigeria committed herself to work towards removing barriers that prevent UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in Nigeria. He argued that while the deal seeks to foster collaboration between the film and media industries in the UK and Nigeria, it does not cater for the interests of Nigerian lawyers as there are no such provisions or opportunities for them to practice their trade in the UK.

He stressed that while it is good for Nigeria to enter into partnership deals with other countries to unlock future opportunities and thus contribute towards boosting the country’s economy, such deals must be seen to promote, preserve and protect the interests of the generality of Nigerians. Hon Chinda said that in furtherance of its law-making powers under Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 the National Assembly must inquire into matters such as this in the overall interest of the country and the citizenry.

Already, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Yakubu Maikyau, has questioned the legality of the legal services aspect of the deal and has called for a halt to its signing and implementation. Hon Chinda said the statement issued by the NBA may have reassured Nigerian lawyers and doused the tension and controversy generated by the alleged trade deal.