By Stephen Simon
The British-Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) will next week bring together leading legal professionals, policymakers, investors and business executives in Lagos for its Nigeria Summit 2026, as the organisation celebrates 25 years of strengthening 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, is themed, “A New Dawn in Law, Investment and Opportunity.” Organisers say the event will provide a platform for stakeholders from both countries to deepen collaboration in law, commerce and investment amid growing economic engagement between Nigeria and the UK.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, 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 partnerships that can drive 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 Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the UK, have further strengthened prospects for increased bilateral cooperation.
The summit will commence on June 25 with a closed-door roundtable chaired by Florence Eshalomi MP, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria. The session is expected to bring together senior representatives of law firms, business leaders, government officials and investors to discuss practical strategies for boosting trade and investment flows between both countries.
A cocktail reception hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner will follow the roundtable discussions.
Vice Chair of the BNLF, Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, said the participation of key stakeholders from the public and private sectors reflects the growing importance of the forum as a platform for policy dialogue and commercial engagement.
The main conference on June 26 will feature discussions on Nigeria’s evolving tax reforms, dispute resolution in cross-border transactions, investment and divestment 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 said the various sessions are designed to advance a common objective of promoting investment and business opportunities in Nigeria.
“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 marking the BNLF’s 25th anniversary and celebrating its contributions to strengthening legal and commercial relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Founded in 2001 by legal practitioners with professional interests in both countries, including Oba Nsugbe, Boma Alabi (SAN) and George Etomi, the BNLF was established to promote cooperation and knowledge exchange among lawyers operating within the two jurisdictions.
Over the years, the organisation has evolved into a broader platform connecting legal professionals, businesses, investors and policymakers.
Member of the BNLF Lagos Chapter, Babatunde Denton, said the forum’s expansion into Nigeria through the inaugural Lagos summit last year has already strengthened engagement with the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly its Section on Legal Practice and Section on Business Law.
He added that the BNLF also co-hosted a webinar on the future of the legal profession which attracted more than 3,000 participants, highlighting the growing relevance of cross-border professional engagement.
Co-Chair of the BNLF Lagos Committee, Kemi Afesojaye, described the summit as an important platform 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 conference and gala dinner remains open, while organisers say sponsorship opportunities are still available for interested firms and institutions.
