International Law Association To Hold Annual Conference In Lagos

To examine the role of international law in regulating new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, big data, and social media amongst others, Nigerian branch of the International Law Association (ILA-NG) will on April 19, 2023 hold its annual conference.

In a statement by the organizers, the conference, which will hold at Arbitration Centre, will provide a platform for international lawyers to discuss, explore and clarify the regulation of new technologies at national, regional, and global levels, in a manner that does not negatively impact international economic relations and sustainable development. Lawyers, non-lawyers in business and financial spheres, academics, advocate, practitioners and students interested in international law, would attend the conference.

The conference will feature a distinguished keynote lecture by Dr. Edward Kwakwa, the Assistant Director General, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Geneva, Switzerland. The conference will also feature a Keynote Conversation with Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, as well as panel discussions by leading practitioners on how multinational technology platforms can be effectively regulated.

The outgoing branch President, Prof. Fidelis Oditah, (KC, SAN), incoming President, Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Professor Mohammed Tawfiq Ladan, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Managing Partner S.P.A. Ajibade & Co, Dr Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, Associate General Counsel of Meta, Kaelo Ajuluchukwu, The Director, WIPO Office Nigeria, Dr. Tobi Moody, would be among the speakers.

Others are the Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google, Adewolu Adene, Head of Legal at the National Data Protection Bureau, Babatunde Bamigboye, Managing Partner of Aluko And Oyebode Law, Joke Aliu, the Chairman of the Arbitration Committee, Tolulope Aderemi and Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo.

The Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, said this year’s conference would be unique in its deliberate blend of panelists to discuss topical issues.

Oyetibo noted “This year’s conference provides a timely opportunity for leading stakeholders in international law to examine how law can better respond to the opportunities and commercial risks provided by modern technologies. With the continuing growth of electronic commerce, lawyers and non-lawyers must be better equipped to anticipate and address the wide range of technology risks, and to provide precise advice on the regulation of their use. This conference will aim to deliver latest knowledge in this important area” he concluded.

The ILA was founded in Brussels in 1873. The ILA now has some 4,500 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 programs to advance the study and understanding of international law in Nigeria. To learn more about the ILA, its activities, and events visit http://www.ila-hq.org