The Nigerian government has clarified its stance on UK lawyers practicing in Nigeria, reversing an earlier statement by Trade Minister Uzoka-Anite. Initially, she claimed a signed agreement allowed for this, but after backlash from the Nigerian Bar Association, she clarified that no such agreement exists. Nigeria currently does not have a “Mutual Recognition Agreement” with the UK, meaning foreign lawyers, including those from the UK, cannot practice in Nigeria. While discussions about cross-jurisdictional practice are ongoing, the signed MoU does not address this and explicitly states foreign lawyers cannot currently practice in the country. This clarification follows criticism from the legal community who raised concerns about the initial announcement.
