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NBA Asks Court to Permanently Restrain Trade Minister from Allowing UK Lawyers to Practice in Nigeria

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The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Abuja

The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have filed a lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to permanently restrain the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, from enforcing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that permits UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

The suit, which Nairametrics reviewed on Tuesday, requests “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant (Minister of Trade) from discussing or further discussing and/or implementing the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, otherwise known as the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement dated 13th February 2024, in so far as it relates to legal practice or services.”

The NBA argues that the MoU concerning ETIP will “prejudice the interests, well-being, and livelihood of legal practitioners in Nigeria.”

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NBA’s Case

Nairametrics earlier reported the signing of the “Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)” between Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anitie, and her British counterpart, Ms. Kemi Badenoch. This economic agreement aims to remove barriers in trade, finance, legal, and the creative industry and foster business collaboration between both countries.

However, the NBA strongly opposed the provision that would allow UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria. The Minister later clarified that, contrary to earlier reports, the ETIP agreement does not permit UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

Despite this clarification, an affidavit submitted by Ayodeji Oni, Esq, NBA Secretariat Legal Officer, and Head, Legal Regulatory and Compliance, in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/668/2024, stated that the MoU sent to the NBA still included “legal services” as one of the items covered by the agreement. Oni testified before Justice Peter Lifu, emphasizing that the NBA, under the leadership of President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), was not prepared to enter a bilateral agreement with the UK on legal services due to restrictions imposed by the Legal Practitioners’ Act, which regulates legal practice in Nigeria.

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Only the Chief Justice Can Authorize Foreign Lawyers

Oni further asserted that legal practitioners not listed on the Roll of the Supreme Court of Nigeria cannot practice law in the country. He explained that UK-licensed legal practitioners could only render legal services in Nigeria if they received a warrant from the Chief Justice of Nigeria. He emphasized that only the Chief Justice has the authority to grant limited practice rights to foreign lawyers in Nigeria.

Oni also pointed out that the MoU on ETIP was signed without consulting the NBA, which represents all lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar. He urged the court to support the NBA’s suit to protect the rights and interests of Nigerian legal practitioners according to existing laws.

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Arsenal Agree £50m-Plus Deal to Sign Aston Villa Defender Ezri Konsa

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Arsenal have agreed a deal worth more than £50m to sign England international defender Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before completing his move to the Emirates Stadium.

Konsa joined Aston Villa in July 2019 and has made 286 appearances for the club over the past seven seasons.

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He featured 48 times in all competitions last season, scoring twice and providing one assist as Unai Emery’s side won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League.

Konsa has not played during Villa’s pre-season campaign, including their 2-1 defeat by Paris St-Germain in the Uefa Super Cup.

Emery had given the defender four weeks off following England’s World Cup campaign, in which Konsa played in every match as the Three Lions finished third.

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After England’s final warm-up game against Borussia Monchengladbach, Emery explained the absence of Konsa, Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins, saying: “They are joining us after this match.”

Konsa’s arrival will strengthen Arsenal’s defensive options as they prepare for another Premier League title challenge and their return to Champions League football.

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US and Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Deal

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The United States and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a landmark agreement that would allow the Gulf kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme, in a deal that could be worth billions of dollars.

According to reports, the announcement is expected to be made by President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday. The agreement would pave the way for US companies to help build and operate Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear infrastructure.

As part of the proposed deal, American firms could construct a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, enabling the kingdom to produce fuel for nuclear power plants on its own soil rather than relying on imported supplies. The project would reportedly follow a joint feasibility study conducted by the two countries.

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The agreement is expected to generate significant commercial opportunities for US companies, although the firms involved have not been publicly identified. Any final arrangement would also require consultation with the US Congress.

The proposal has drawn concern from nuclear experts and several former Israeli officials, who warn that uranium enrichment technology could potentially provide Saudi Arabia with the capability to develop nuclear weapons in the future, despite the programme being intended for civilian energy production.

Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that its nuclear ambitions are focused on diversifying its energy sector and meeting growing domestic electricity demand.

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The White House has not officially commented on the reported agreement.

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Spain Crowned World Champions After Dominant Victory Over Argentina

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Spain have been crowned FIFA World Cup champions, adding global glory to their recent European success with a commanding performance in the final.

The celebrations erupted at the final whistle as Spain’s players and staff poured onto the pitch to mark a historic triumph, having controlled the match from start to finish. Dominating possession, creating the better chances and dictating the tempo, they proved worthy winners on football’s biggest stage.

Several players produced unforgettable moments throughout the tournament. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal lifted the World Cup at just 19 years of age, while Ferran Torres etched his name into history by scoring the winning goal in the final. Dani Olmo emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, and Rodri added the World Cup to an already remarkable list of career honours.

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At the opposite end of the emotions, Argentina captain Lionel Messi remained on the pitch after the final whistle, watching Spain’s celebrations unfold around him. The defeat has inevitably sparked questions over whether the tournament marked the final World Cup appearance of one of football’s greatest-ever players.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Spain, whose victory secures another major international title and confirms their status as the dominant force in world football.

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