The Nigerian branch of the International Law Association will from April 13-15, 2026, hold its 9th annual conference at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja, focusing on the role of international law in addressing tax evasion, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and other corruption-related economic and financial crimes.
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The three-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions, bringing together leading international law experts, practitioners, policymakers, and students.
At a press conference heralding the commencement of this year’s conference, the Chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Grace Dafiel, noted that the event, themed “Mitigating Economic and Financial Crime Risks in A Shifting Global Order: The Role of International Law,” will provide a platform for international lawyers and diplomats to discuss the dynamic role of international law in fostering effective risk mitigation and regulatory enforcement.
“This conference will provide a platform for international lawyers and diplomats to discuss the dynamic role of international law in fostering effective risk mitigation and regulatory enforcement on tax evasion, illicit financial flows, corruption and money laundering, to advance sustainable development,” Dr. Dafiel stated.
Lawyers, non-lawyers in business and financial spheres, academics, advocates, practitioners, and students interested in international law are expected to attend the conference.
Confirmed keynote and high-level speakers at the conference include:
- H.E Dr. Fatou Bensouda: Former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (2012-2021) and currently High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Kingdom
- H.E Edward Harris: Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)
- Professor Bolaji Owasonoye, SAN, OFR: Former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Coordinating Director, Proceeds of Crime Management and Illicit Financial Flows Directorate, Nigeria Revenue Services
- Mohamed M. Malick: United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria
The President of ILA Nigeria, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, who is also Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, highlighted the importance of the conference theme.
“Tax evasion, illicit financial flows, corruption, and money laundering are multifaceted threats to sustainable development that require innovative legal solutions,” Professor Olawuyi stated.
“Without tax, government cannot build roads, equip hospitals or support research. Tax evasion and other illicit financial flows are therefore not only development problems but, indeed, human rights problems.”
Professor Olawuyi emphasised the need for all stakeholders to stay informed about risk management tools.
“There is therefore a strong business case in terms of risk mitigation, reputation management and corporate social responsibility for all stakeholders to stay abreast of effective risk management tools needed to better anticipate and prevent economic and financial crimes risks,” he stated.
“This year’s conference hopes to equip participants with the latest information and international best practices in this regard.”
The conference will also feature a President’s Dinner and Awards Night, including a Keynote Gala Conversation on international frameworks and mechanisms that could shape policy, corporate, and investment strategies on mitigating economic and financial crime risks.
The International Law Association was founded in Brussels in 1873. The ILA now has more than 5,000 members in 45 national and regional branches around the world.
It is headquartered in London under the leadership of the global chair, Professor Christine Chinkin.
The Nigerian Branch of the ILA regularly hosts innovative lectures, seminars, conferences, and other capacity development programmes to advance the study and understanding of international law in Nigeria.
The ILA Nigeria annual conference has been held every year since 2014 as a gathering of leading international law experts, practitioners, policymakers, and students, providing a leading platform for the study, clarification, and implementation of international law frameworks in key sectors.
The ILA Nigeria’s 9th annual conference comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as the country grapples with significant economic challenges partly attributed to revenue leakages through tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
Professor Olawuyi’s framing of tax evasion as “not only a development problem but a human rights problem” elevates the discourse beyond mere economic considerations to fundamental questions about governance, public services, and citizens’ rights.
The presence of high-profile speakers like Dr. Fatou Bensouda, who served as ICC Prosecutor for nearly a decade, and the Director General of GIABA, underscores the international dimension of the fight against economic and financial crimes.
For legal practitioners, policymakers, and business professionals, the conference offers an opportunity to learn about international best practices in risk mitigation and regulatory enforcement.
With Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remaining among the lowest globally, and with the government’s ongoing efforts to expand the tax net through new legislation like the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the conference’s focus on tax evasion and illicit financial flows is particularly timely.
The discussions at the conference could inform policy approaches and corporate strategies for addressing these challenges within an international law framework.
More information about the ILA and its activities is available at https://ilanigeria.org.ng
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