Nigeria law boost

The British Nigerian Law Forum (BNLF), a joint initiative between the Law Society and the Bar Council to help lawyers and law development in Africa's most populous country, is to be officially launched this month.

The concept of the forum arose following the British law week held by the British Council in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, last May.

BNLF member Tunde Ogowewo, a law lecturer at King's College London, said: 'The forum's aim is to help Nigerian academics, practitioners and other interested parties develop the country's laws, as well as forge links with lawyers in the UK.

It has taken 18 months to get together a dedicated team of people, but we now hope to be of assistance to lawyers and the law.'

Mr Ogowewo highlighted the reform of the Nigerian costs and appeals systems as two areas that the BNLF would be working on immediately.

He said: 'The meaning of costs has been lost in Nigeria and thus there is no deterrence to taking cases to court, and it is also easy to successfully lodge an appeal.

The system encourages litigation and has led to a logjam in the supreme court, which affects the quality of litigation.'

A Law Society spokeswoman said: 'The forum will provide an invaluable opportunity for lawyers to exchange ideas and encourage practical initiatives on issues such as human rights, access to justice and the training of those involved in the justice system throughout Nigeria.'

The event will take place at the Law Society on 18 November.

Andrew Towler