NBA-SBL Strengthens Global Legal Relationships
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) recently concluded a landmark visit to the United Kingdom, reinforcing its commitment to fostering international collaboration, professional development, and stronger institutional relationships within the global legal community.
Held from 22–23 June 2026 in London and Manchester, the delegation comprised the Chair of the NBA-SBL, members of the Executive Committee, and a distinguished group of NBA-SBL members who participated in two days of intensive engagements with leading legal institutions, practitioners, and stakeholders across England.
The visit was organised in collaboration with The Law Society of England and Wales.
A Warm Welcome from The Law Society
The delegation was warmly welcomed by The Law Society of England and Wales, whose thoughtful organisation of the programme created an atmosphere that encouraged meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and lasting professional connections. This was followed by a gracious reception by the Manchester Law Society. Every aspect of the visit reflected the shared commitment of both organisations to advancing excellence within the legal profession and enlightening their respective members on the key developments in business law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Day One: Exploring Innovation, Commercial Practice and International Dispute Resolution
The first day commenced at The Law Society’s offices in London with welcome remarks and an introductory session by the President of The Law Society of England and Wales, Mark Evans, on practising in England and Wales. The session provided delegates with valuable insights into the UK’s legal profession and regulatory landscape.
Participants subsequently engaged in a series of substantive sessions covering intellectual property, technology and artificial intelligence, and arbitration and alternative dispute resolution—areas that continue to redefine modern legal practice across jurisdictions.
The afternoon programme featured parallel sessions focusing on corporate law and mergers and acquisitions, alongside discussions hosted by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. These sessions enabled delegates to explore specialised areas of practice while exchanging perspectives with experienced practitioners.
The day concluded with an exclusive visit to the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), where the SBL team gained deeper insights into one of the world’s leading institutions for international commercial dispute resolution, further enriching discussions on cross-border legal practice.
Day Two: Regional Growth, Civic Engagement and Judicial Perspectives
The delegation continued its programme in Manchester with a carefully curated series of engagements highlighting the city’s dynamic legal and commercial ecosystem.
Hosted initially by the President of the Manchester Law Society, Mr Ian McConkey, at his firm, Weightmans, delegates explored the Manchester legal sector and the opportunities presented by one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies.
Next was a Civic Reception and Afternoon Tea with the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Shaukat Ali, at Manchester Town Hall.
At Eversheds Sutherland, participants received valuable insights into Manchester’s remarkable economic transformation, investment landscape, and the role of legal advisers in supporting sustainable commercial growth.
Participants also visited the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, where members participated in a judicial roundtable with members of the judiciary. Discussions focused on judicial processes, commercial courts, and legal frameworks, providing an invaluable opportunity for comparative learning and professional exchange.
The visit concluded with a networking reception hosted by Latitude Law, a specialist immigration law firm.
Building Stronger International Partnerships
Beyond the individual sessions, this visit represented an important milestone in the evolving partnership between the NBA-SBL and The Law Society of England and Wales.
As legal practice becomes increasingly international, partnerships of this nature are essential for facilitating knowledge exchange, encouraging cross-border collaboration, and equipping legal professionals with broader perspectives on the rapidly evolving business law landscape.
The engagements provided NBA-SBL members with direct access to leading institutions, legal practitioners, policymakers, and members of the judiciary, creating opportunities to exchange ideas on innovation, technology, commercial transactions, dispute resolution, investment, and the future of legal practice.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2026 UK Delegation Visit further demonstrates the NBA-SBL’s unwavering commitment to creating world-class opportunities for its members through international engagement and strategic partnerships. NBA-SBL members will recall that the Section and the Law Society of England and Wales successfully hosted a training workshop in Lagos in January 2025, and that members of the Law Society have been regular participants at the NBA-SBL’s Annual International Business Law Conference in recent years.
The relationships strengthened during this visit will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for deeper collaboration between the NBA-SBL and The Law Society of England and Wales, opening new avenues for professional exchange, capacity building, and institutional cooperation.
The NBA-SBL expresses its sincere appreciation to The Law Society of England and Wales, the Manchester Law Society, and all the law firms and host organisations whose generosity and professionalism made the delegation a memorable and highly impactful experience. Our thanks also go to every member of the delegation whose participation contributed to the success of this initiative.
View the gallery below for highlights from the NBA-SBL Delegation to the United Kingdom.
