Federal Gov’t Clarifies UK Legal Services Deal Amid Backlash

Nigeria’s federal government moved swiftly to clarify aspects of the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) signed with the UK on Tuesday following backlash over legal services provisions.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Doris Uzoka-Anite stated on social media that initial reports suggesting the deal allows British lawyers to practice in Nigeria were erroneous. She denied existence of any mutual recognition pact or commitments made to open up Nigeria’s legal market.

The Minister affirmed that as it currently stands, foreign lawyers including from the UK cannot practice in the country, as categorically captured in the memorandum of understanding.

She did acknowledge that cross-jurisdictional legal practice between both countries remains an ongoing discussion among local stakeholders. The MOU also reflects this dialogue within Nigeria’s legal community regarding potential future collaborations.

Earlier celebratory statements regarding UK lawyers gaining access had drawn criticism from bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association. But Uzoka-Anite’s clarification confirms Nigeria protected local interests during trade negotiations.

With the wider ETIP deal set to spur growth across sectors, the Minister reiterated that no reciprocal legal services arrangements or market access was agreed to yet by Nigerian negotiators.