Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite
FG makes U-turn, says UK lawyers can’t practise in Nigeria
On Wednesday, the federal government reversed its earlier position on the legal aspects of the extended trade and investment cooperation negotiated with the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
This came following criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with the United Kingdom.
Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister for Trade and Investment, issued a message on her X Twitter yesterday clarifying that there was no such legal arrangement between Nigeria and the UK.
She said: “Earlier today (yesterday), Nigeria signed a far-reaching MoU with the United Kingdom for enhanced trade and investment partnership.
READ ALSO:
“Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggest that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practise in Nigeria. We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MoU.”
The minister reiterated that Nigeria had no Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitment under the MOU or elsewhere, to allow UK-licensed lawyers practise in the country.
Weighing in on the issue at a media briefing yesterday, NBA president Yakubu Maikyau asserted the objection of the NBA to the MoU.
Maikyau noted that it was, 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 wellbeing and livelihood of millions of Nigerians could be taken without any consultation, especially with the NBA.”
Reps pass bill to strip Vice President, governors, deputies of immunity The House of Representatives…
Businessman collapses in court during trial over $578,000 cash seizure A businessman, Okorie Sunday, who…
Fire guts Onitsha market, many shops, goods destroyed A night fire at the popular Iweka Road,…
Security forces disperse rioters on Abuja expressway Security forces fired tear gas and gunshots on…
Bills to create 4 new states scale second reading at House of Reps The House of Representatives…
Tinubu signs South-West, South-South dev commission bills into law President Bola Tinubu has signed the south-west and…
