Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through it’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, has rejected
Federal Government’s bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom, which henceforth allows English lawyers to practice in Nigeria without any hindarance.
The NBA maintained that the action will undermines the Nation’s legal professionals, adding that it is a move that will enhances increase in the importation of legal services to Nigeria to their disadvantage.
Opposing the agreement, the association, therefore, threatened to resist it by all means necessary within the ambit of the law.
He therefore, referred the deal as a “tragic reminder of our colonial past,” as he wondered why the Nigerian government would take such a decision with likely monumental impact without consulting with the NBA.
The Federal Government and the United Kingdom government, had Tuesday, formalized a new trade agreement to boost trade and investment between both countries.
The agreement themed, “the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” focused unlocking new opportunities for UK and Nigerian businesses.
Addressing the press, Wednesday, Maikyau said, “We want to make it very clear that the ETIP agreement, in so far as it relates to legal services is unacceptable in its entirety. The NBA will take all necessary measures provided by our laws in support of our position on this matter.”
He said the agreement “will compromise our legal space.”
“It is indeed unfortunate that this tragic reminder of our colonial past is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the Government of Nigeria. What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the well-being and livelihood of millions of Nigerians, could be taken without any consultation, especially with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NBA had no foreknowledge or inclination of the text of the said agreement. We could not therefore have contributed to it. I have since assuming office as President of the NBA clearly opposed any agreement that will compromise our legal space at all the meetings.
Speaking further on the implications on the profession, Mr Maikyau said the British government would not undermine its own body of legal professionals in such a manner as the Nigerian government has done.
“It is truly tragic that while the government of the UK is seeking opportunities for its own lawyers beyond its constrained environment, the government of Nigeria is attempting to deprive Nigerian lawyers and their millions of dependants of means of livelihood.
