Leading diplomats and international law experts have called for the urgent prioritisation of homegrown capacity development and training on international law to maximise Nigeria’s potential to attract win-win international trade and investments.
Eghobamien-Mshelia Esther, Vice Chair and Nigeria’s representative, UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW; the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan; President of the International Law Association Nigeria, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN; Ambassador Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan, Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Sudan
Boosting African trade through law training
The recommendation was made at the high-level opening ceremony kickstarting the one-week 2025 Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Law and Diplomacy course organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS, in partnership with the International Law Association (Nigerian Branch).
The ultimate objective of the course is to expose participants to the specialised knowledge and skill sets required for the practice of international law and diplomacy.
The opening ceremony featured compelling remarks by senior diplomats and experts including Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Ambassador Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan, Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Sudan; the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan; President of the International Law Association Nigeria, Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN; Professor Olufemi Elias, Judge Adhoc of the International Court of Justice; Dr. Tobilola Moody, Director, World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, Nigeria Office; Eghobamien-Mshelia Esther, Vice Chair and Nigeria’s representative, UN Committee on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW; Clement Osuya, Secretary General of the International Law Association, Nigeria, amongst other dignitaries.
International trade: Experts urge Africa to build legal muscle
While welcoming and congratulating participants for being selected for this high-level course, Professor Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan, Director General of NIALS noted that “Due to globalisation, legal practices have taken on a new dimension, as new emerging areas of law have evolved.
“As lawyers, practitioners, and law students, there is a need to rise to the challenge and equip oneself for a 21st-century legal service delivery.
“We are confident that your participation in this course will equip you with the skill sets needed to advocate for and practice international law and diplomacy for the benefit of humanity.”
On his part, the distinguished keynote speaker, Ambassador Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan, noted that “International law serves as a crucial tool for managing the complexities of global relations, promoting cooperation, and addressing transnational challenges in a way that balances state sovereignty with collective interests.”
Drawing extensive insights from his practical experience as a diplomat representing Nigeria in Sudan, his compelling lecture highlighted the essence of international law, the role of diplomacy in national development, the fundamentals of international diplomacy, and the areas of priorities for effective diplomacy and national development.
Ambassador Olaniyan also commended NIALS and the ILA “for the initiative and thoughtfulness to introduce an Advanced Certificate Course in International Law and Diplomacy, aimed at providing in-depth examination of international law and its pivotal role in diplomacy and national development.”
International trade and investment
On his part, the President of the ILA, Nigeria, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of International Law, who is also an Independent Expert on the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Switzerland, noted that “International trade negotiation must be on the basis of mutual respect and productive dialogue. But in our world today, we are gradually sliding back to the era of condescension diplomacy, characterised by a patronising or superior attitude towards other nations or actors, and the unilateral announcement of international trade tariffs and veiled threats by some countries against other nations, hindering productive dialogue and cooperation that have been the hallmarks of the multilateral trading system and international diplomacy for many years.
“Reclaiming the African voice in international law and diplomacy requires homegrown capacity development programs such as this, that expose the next generation to the art and craft of international law and diplomacy.”
The one-week course will cover contemporary themes in public and private international trade law, taught by leading experts, including modules on artificial intelligence and new technologies, international human rights and humanitarian law, international criminal law, international energy and petroleum transactions, climate change and sustainable development, conflict resolution, international commercial arbitration, AfCTA and international economic integration, as well as ethics and skill sets for international diplomacy, amongst others.
Established in 1979, NIALS is the apex legal research and training institute in Nigeria, while the International Law Association, ILA was established in 1873, with the objective and mandate to promote “the study, clarification, and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law.”
The Nigerian Branch of the International Law Association ILA regularly hosts innovative lectures, seminars, conferences, and other capacity development programs to advance the study and understanding of international law in Nigeria.
