In a significant move to bolster legal and policy expertise for the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the International Law Association, ILA Nigeria Branch.
The MOU, which establishes an Advanced Certificate Course in International Trade Law with a focus on AfCFTA Law and Policy in Africa, was formally signed during a courtesy visit by the ILA Nigeria delegation to the Office of the Director General of NILDS.
The agreement was signed by Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS, and Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, President of ILA Nigeria. Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights in Geneva and holds the UNESCO Chair on Environmental and Sustainable Development Law in Doha, Qatar, brings a wealth of international experience to the partnership.
ILA Nigeria, NILDS officials represented
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key officials from both institutions. Representing NILDS were Professor M. T. Ladan, Director of the AfCFTA Law and Policy Programme Division; Dr. S. Danwanka, Director of Legal Affairs; and Dr. Doris, Technical Assistant to the Director General. ILA Nigeria was represented by two Executive Committee members.
This specialised course is designed to equip legal professionals, policymakers, and legislators with the critical knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex legal framework of the AfCFTA. The partnership leverages ILA’s and NILDS’ legislative mandate to build capacity for effective implementation and maximisation of the continent’s vast trade potential.
Founded in Brussels in 1873, ILA promotes the study and clarification of International Law, both public and private. The Nigerian Branch regularly hosts innovative lectures, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programs to advance understanding of international law in Nigeria.
