The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered parties in a dispute over the use of the name “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the matter before it.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The order followed an application filed by the founder of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over the use of the name of the summit.
Nwiya had approached the court, claiming that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce was seeking to use a name which, according to him, is legally protected by trademark registration.
He argued that NDEIS had, over the years, built the platform into a recognised vehicle for economic dialogue, investment promotion and regional development in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the platform had been developed through years of investment, advocacy and sustained engagement, and that allowing another organisation to organise an event under the same name could create confusion and undermine the goodwill associated with the brand.
In his application, Nwiya asked the court to intervene and prevent preparations for an event being organised under the disputed name pending the determination of the substantive suit.
His lawyers argued that allowing the proposed event to proceed before the court determined the matter could create a situation that would be difficult to reverse, and urged the court to preserve the status quo.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu subsequently directed the parties to maintain the status quo and respect the authority of the court while pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels.
“All parties should maintain the status quo as at today, pending the determination of the matter.
“That is the Order of this Court. The motion they served on you and that Order served on him has not been vacated,” the judge said.
The order also came against the backdrop of an existing suit and injunction relating to the matter, which originated from a court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Nwiya described the order as an important step towards protecting the integrity of the summit, which he said had been developed over several years as a platform for economic dialogue, investment promotion and regional development in the Niger Delta.
He commended the judiciary for its role in ensuring that disputes are resolved through due process.
Nwiya also called on organisations that may have planned to invest resources in activities connected to the disputed summit name to await the outcome of the legal process.
“I also want to use this opportunity to appeal to organisations that may have planned to invest their resources in such a project to exercise caution and allow the legal process to run its course.
“The Niger Delta Governors, Access Bank and the Niger Delta Development Commission should also be mindful of the subsisting court processes and ensure that their actions remain consistent with the authority of the courts.
“We need investment in the region. We need to create jobs and provide our young people with meaningful opportunities for livelihood. This can only be achieved through a transparent, credible and due process that commands the confidence of all stakeholders,” he said.
Nwiya said he remained confident that the judicial process would resolve the matter fairly.
He added that the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit remained committed to promoting economic development, investment opportunities and constructive dialogue across the region while allowing the court to determine the issues before it.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
