By Stephen Simon
The British-Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) will bring together leading legal professionals, policymakers, investors and business executives in Lagos this week for its Nigeria Summit 2026, as the organisation marks 25 years of fostering professional and commercial ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The two-day summit is scheduled to hold on June 25 and 26 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, under the theme “A New Dawn in Law, Investment and Opportunity.” It is expected to attract participants from both countries to discuss pathways for strengthening collaboration in law, commerce and investment.
According to organisers, the event comes at a time of deepening economic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with bilateral trade estimated at about $8.6 billion, and will serve as a platform to explore new opportunities for growth and partnership.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Chair of the BNLF, Kash Balogun, said the summit marks both a celebration of the forum’s 25-year journey and a renewed push to strengthen institutional partnerships that support economic development in both jurisdictions.
He said the theme reflects expanding opportunities between Nigeria and the UK and the need for closer cooperation among professionals and institutions to drive trade and investment.
Balogun noted that recent diplomatic engagements, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, had further strengthened prospects for bilateral cooperation, adding that such relationships are key to unlocking economic growth.
The summit will open on June 25 with a closed-door roundtable chaired by Florence Eshalomi MP, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, bringing together senior legal practitioners, business leaders, government officials and investors to discuss practical steps for improving trade and investment flows.
A cocktail reception will follow the roundtable at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner.
On June 26, the main conference will feature discussions on Nigeria’s tax reforms, cross-border dispute resolution, investment and divestment trends, the creative economy, and strategies for strengthening international professional networks.
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, founding partner of Olaniwun Ajayi LP, while the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), is expected to deliver a special address.
Vice Chair of the BNLF, Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, said the participation of key stakeholders highlights the forum’s growing role as a platform for policy dialogue and commercial engagement.
She said the discussions are aimed at translating goodwill into practical outcomes by removing barriers to trade and strengthening collaboration between both countries.
Founded in 2001 by legal practitioners including Oba Nsugbe, Boma Alabi (SAN) and George Etomi, the BNLF has grown into a major platform connecting legal professionals, businesses, investors and policymakers across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The summit will conclude with a gala dinner marking the forum’s 25th anniversary and celebrating its contributions to strengthening UK–Nigeria legal and commercial relations.
Organisers say registration remains open for delegates, with tickets priced at ₦90,000 for members, ₦110,000 for non-members and ₦70,000 for young and aspiring lawyers, while sponsorship opportunities are still available.
