The British-Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) will convene leading legal professionals, policymakers, investors and business executives in Lagos next week for its Nigeria Summit 2026, as the forum celebrates 25 years of fostering professional and commercial ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The two-day summit, scheduled for June 25 and 26 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, will bring together legal practitioners, policymakers, investors and business leaders from Nigeria and the United Kingdom under the theme, “A New Dawn in Law, Investment and Opportunity.”

At a press briefing held at PAS World Center, Lekki, Lagos, the organisers said the gathering comes amid growing economic engagement between Nigeria and the UK, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $8.6 billion, and will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration in law, commerce and investment.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, Chair of the BNLF, Kash Balogun, described the summit as both a celebration of the forum’s 25-year journey and an opportunity to strengthen institutional partnerships that support economic growth in both jurisdictions.

“We are celebrating a quarter of a century during which the BNLF has served as a bridge between the United Kingdom and Nigeria,” Balogun said. “The theme, A New Dawn, reflects the growing opportunities between both countries and the need for professionals and institutions to work together to expand trade, investment and business relationships.”

According to him, recent diplomatic engagements between Abuja and London, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, have further reinforced prospects for stronger bilateral cooperation.

“It is through relationships and partnerships that we create opportunities capable of driving economic growth in both jurisdictions,” he added.

The summit will begin in June 25 with a closed-door roundtable chaired by Florence Eshalomi MP, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria. The session will bring together senior representatives of law firms, business leaders from key sectors, government officials and investors to discuss practical pathways for enhancing trade and investment flows between both countries.

A cocktail reception hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner will follow the roundtable.

Vice Chair of the BNLF, Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, said the participation of key public and private sector stakeholders underscores the growing importance of the forum as a platform for policy dialogue and commercial engagement.

The main conference, scheduled for June 26, will feature discussions on some of the most pressing issues affecting the legal and investment environment in Nigeria and across international markets.

Topics include Nigeria’s evolving tax reforms, dispute resolution in cross-border commercial transactions, divestment and investment trends, opportunities within the creative economy, and strategies for strengthening international professional networks.

The keynote address will be delivered by the founding partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, while the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), is expected to deliver a special address.

Wakeley-Jones noted that although the sessions will address diverse issues, they are united by a common objective.

“All of these conversations point to one central message: Nigeria is open for business,” she said. “The focus is on translating goodwill into practical outcomes, removing barriers to trade and creating stronger pathways for collaboration.”

The summit will conclude with a gala dinner to commemorate the BNLF’s 25th anniversary and celebrate its contributions to strengthening legal and commercial relations between Nigeria and the UK.

Founded in 2001 by a group of legal practitioners with professional interests in both countries, including Oba Nsugbe, Boma Alabi (SAN) and George Etomi, the BNLF was established to promote professional cooperation and knowledge exchange among lawyers operating within the two jurisdictions.

Over the years, the forum has evolved into a broader platform connecting legal professionals, businesses, investors and policymakers.

Member of the BNLF Lagos Chapter, Babatunde Denton, said the organisation’s expansion into Nigeria through the inaugural Lagos summit last year had already yielded significant benefits.

He noted that since the maiden summit, the forum has strengthened its engagement with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), particularly its Section on Legal Practice (NBA-SLP) and Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL). He added that the BNLF also co-hosted a webinar on the future of the legal profession which attracted more than 3,000 participants, underscoring the growing relevance of cross-border professional engagement within the legal community.

Co-Chair of the BNLF Lagos Committee, Kemi Afesojaye, described the summit as an important avenue for lawyers and business professionals seeking to build international networks and cross-border opportunities.

“The legal and business environment is increasingly global. Building relationships across jurisdictions is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said.

Registration for the June 26 conference and gala dinner is open. Tickets are priced at ₦90,000 for BNLF members, ₦110,000 for non-members, and ₦70,000 for young and aspiring lawyers. The summit’s Social Secretary, Funbi Akinsanya, urged interested delegates, firms and institutions to register promptly, noting that demand has been strong.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available, with ALP as a partner sponsor, and Greenberg Traurig, Great Chapel, Charles Renshaw and Beacon Concierge among existing gold and concierge-level partners.

Organisations interested in sponsorship or partnership are invited to contact the BNLF at info@bnlf.org.uk or call 09134619903. Air Peace is the official airline partner for the summit, and special accommodation rates have been negotiated with Oriental Hotel, the event venue.

Full programme details, speaker profiles and ticketing are available on the BNLF Nigeria Summit 2026 website: https://bnlf.org.uk/

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