ILA Nigerian Branch 2nd Annual Conference held on 29 October 2015 in Lagos

ILA Nigerian Branch 2nd Annual Conference held on 29 October 2015 in Lagos

The Nigerian Branch of the International Law Association, in association with the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), successfully held its 2nd Annual Conference on October 29, 2015, at the International Centre for Arbitration & ADR, Lekki, Lagos. This year's conference was organized by the Arbitration Committee of the Nigerian Branch under the leadership of Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour.

With the theme: “Nigeria’s Compliance with Global Arbitration Practices”, the event featured an analytical and insightful debate by two leading Nigerian arbitrators,  Dr. Fabian Ajogwu SAN (Kenna Patners) and Dr. Adewale Olawoyin SAN (Olawoyin & Olawoyin Law Firm), on the question whether or not Nigeria can be regarded as a favourable venue for arbitration.

The debate was followed by a round table discussion by key stakeholders to discuss the various issues raised and proffer solution on the way forward. The panel featured

1. Hon. Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki, Judge of the Lagos State Judiciary.              
2. Mr. Chidi Momah, Corporate Secretary/Legal Adviser, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
3. Mr. Ned Mojuetan, General Counsel, Chevron Nigeria Limited.          
4. Mrs. Rume Rotimi, General Counsel, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.                  
5. Mr. Mohammed Dele Belgore, Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.            
6. Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, President, Lagos Court of Arbitration.               
7. Prof. Paul Idornigie, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.                              
8. Dr. Hakeem Seriki, Consultant, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, United Kingdom

The President of the Branch, Professor Fidelis Oditah, QC, SAN was on hand to welcome delegates to the conference and to underscore the importance of the ILA in fostering best arbitration practices across the world. Delegates were also taken on a tour of the world class facilities of the new International Centre for Arbitration & ADR, by Ms. Meghan Joshi, CEO of the Lagos Court of Arbitration.

 The conference concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, Vice President of the Nigerian Branch, who invited all Nigerian arbitrators to join forces with the ILA to further promote the practice and study of arbitration in Nigeria.