NBA-SBL Conference: Okey Egbuchu, Chairman Planning Committee Assures Stakeholders Of A World Class Conference

Says Focus On AfCFTA, Technology, Legal Practice At June Conference The Conference Planning Committee of the 12th Annual Business Law Conference of the NBA Section on Business Law has once more reassured the Nigerian Legal Community and the host of other international organizations of hosting a world class conference. This was disclosed in a press conference held by the Planning Committee on the 12TH Annual Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law –to be held on the 27th – 29 th June, 2018 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Speaking at the press conference, the chairman of the Planning committee, Okey Egbuchu, thanked their supporters for their supports over the years. Noting that the 12th edition of the annual business law conference is just four weeks away, he revealed the extent to which the journey has been taken so far, and what new things that have been put in place to make the conference a better one. Emphasizing that Africa will be the focus of this year conference, the chairman stressed that the theme will be: Bringing Down the Barriers -The Law as a Vehicle for Intra – Africa Trade. “The theme is in fact an inspired one. When the Chairman of the NBA -SBL told me to focus on Africa and come up with suitable themes, we did not realize then that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) was only a few months from reality. Indeed, I had never heard of it. Here we are today; it is the major economic topic in Africa. “Africa does more business with other continents than within, thereby limiting her potential. Fears have been expressed by stakeholders not only in Nigeria but other countries in respect of the AfCFTA regarding issues of dumping, limitation of the ability to manage tariffs, loss of revenue, influx of persons and so on. Infact, Nigeria tactically withdrew from signing the AfCFTA due to the concerns expressed by stakeholders like organized labour and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.” [caption id="attachment_100033" align="alignleft" width="500"] L-R: Chinyere Okorocha, fund raising committee chair of the Nigerian Bar Association- Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL); Seni Adio, vice chairman, NBA-SBL; Olumide Akpata, chairman, NBA-SBL, and Okey Egbuchu, chairman, 2018 conference planning committee, at the press conference to announce the 12th annual business law conference in Lagos yesterday[/caption] The chairman also maintained that the Federal Government is currently engaging stakeholders and that they have provided platforms at the conference for the Federal Government, the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other African countries to dialogue with stakeholders on the AfCFTA and more. According to him, these issues will, in the main, be discussed in sessions 1 and 4 of the conference. “This is a lawyers’ conference, and expectedly we have a special plenary session for the profession with the topic – Law Practice in the time of the African Continental Free Trade Area: Reimagining African Lawyers. We the lawyers will examine the opportunities available for us when the AfCFTA takes effect. Many African Law Societies have been invited to join us in the discussion. Speakers and panelists from all over the world sourced from the governments, corporates, the regional bodies like ECOWAS, the law firms and law societies and other professions will do justice to the many topics spanning twelve sessions. He therefore mentioned some of the speakers that have been invited to speak, and also addressed those present, of the entertainment segment of the event. “Some of these Speakers are: George Lipimile, the Czar of the COMESA Competition Commission, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, Nigeria’s Chief Trade Negotiator, Dr Stephen Karingi, Director, Regional Integration and Trade Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Chief Chidi Ajaegbu, Founder and Chairman, Chisco Transport Limited, Samallie Kiyingi, General Counsel, Africa Export -Import Bank, Haresh Aswani, Managing Director, Tolaram Group, Nigeria, Linus Gitali, Executive Chairman, Tropikal Brands (Africa) Limited from Kenya, Yemi Candide – Johnson, SAN, President of the Lagos Court of Arbitration. It would not be a lawyers’ conference without some controversy and hence, we have assembled eight legal pugilists to slug it out in a debate session. The audience will be the Judge. “After the debate session, we will rock the closing party featuring Davido. Over the years, our conferences have not only been talkshops, as we always ensure that there are tangible outcomes. The NBA – SBL is in partnership with the executive arm of the Nigerian government through PEBEC and the National Assembly through NASSBER in the ongoing review of our laws, regulations and procedures to enhance the ease of doing business. “The results have led to the improved ranking of Nigeria in the World Bank ease of doing business index. We expect to also engage government and stakeholders to position Nigeria to benefit from the AfCFTA, The organisation of the conference is going on very well and we promise you the usual world class event,” he added. To register click on nbasblconference]]>