The Nigerian government has revised its stance and now states that foreign lawyers, including those licensed in the UK, are not allowed to practice law in Nigeria.
According to a statement released by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite on X (formerly Twitter), the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu denies granting permissions to British legal practitioners to practice in the country, calling the viral report erroneous and inaccurate.
She clarified that the previous report was incorrect in stating that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing UK-licensed lawyers to practice in Nigeria.
Anite clarified that there is no provision or agreement in the MOU for this.
She emphasized that as it stands, foreign licensed lawyers, including those from the UK, cannot practice in Nigeria according to the MOU. She acknowledged that the conversation about cross-jurisdictional practice between Nigeria and the UK is ongoing and was reflected in the MOU
