The International Law Association (ILA) of Nigeria has called on the African continent, particularly Nigeria, to buckle up and protect their businesses against the effects of global escalating tensions.
The body also urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint real international law experts as Ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions.
The President of ILA in Nigeria, Professor Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), stated these in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at a news conference marking the commencement of the association’s 8th Annual Conference, which will be hosted by Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) between April 9 and 10, 2025.
Prof. Olawuyi said this year’s conference, themed “Fostering Trade and Investment Integration for Sustainable Development: The Role of International Law,” provides a timely opportunity to explore the role of international law in enhancing the movement of goods and services across borders.
On why businesses must be protected from collapsing, he said, “Just a few days ago, United States President Donald Trump announced sweeping trade tariffs that have left the whole world wondering about the future of international trade as we have known it.
“In an era of unilateral trade tariffs, international law and diplomacy will be central to minimise the disruptive impacts of unilateralism and isolationism on the flow of goods and services across borders.
“Africa must gear up so that our businesses do not become the sacrificial lambs for the escalating trade tensions. The big question is, are we ready in Nigeria to respond decisively and effectively to the escalating trade tensions?
“Unfortunately, one cannot confidently say so, especially given that we currently do not have ambassadors representing Nigeria’s interests in our permanent missions abroad.”
“It has been close to two years since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, announced the sweeping recall of all Ambassadors, and as we speak, their replacements have yet to be announced.
“While we welcome recent announcements about the ongoing selection process, there is a need to ensure a focus on expertise and merit, particularly sound knowledge of international law and diplomacy”.
He said Nigeria’s ability to attract win-win trade and investment opportunities at this urgent need largely depends on the quality of representation abroad.
