Distinguished colleagues, esteemed officials, and investors present. I bring you greetings from the Nigerian Bar Association, the largest bar in the black continent. Thank you for inviting us for this prestigious event. Let me thank you in some major Nigerian languages; In Igbo we say Imeela , in Hausa we say Nagode and in Yoruba we say Eshe . Permit me to also thank you in my new language, the Chinese language. Xiexie
It is a pleasure to be here today among the people who understand that in business especially international business, nothing truly moves until the lawyers give the green light. And if we are being honest, sometimes even then, there is need for double check.
Now, we are here to discuss something with serious weight, the growing investment relationship between Nigeria and China, within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is pertinent to state here that China and Nigeria business relationship started far back in 1971.
I will like us to think of Belt and Road initiative less as a policy, and more as a highway; a two-way street where ideas, capital, and yes, multi million contracts, are constantly in motion.
Let us start with Nigerian businesses. China is not just a place for importing gadgets and taking selfies on the Great Wall. It is a powerhouse of capital, infrastructure, and innovation. Nigeria boasts of a rich array of natural resources, a large and youthful population, and a dynamic business landscape. Nigerian entrepreneurs especially in manufacturing, technology and agriculture can benefit massively. But here is the fine print: the Chinese market does not run on vibes. It runs on structure, on regulation, and a legal culture that takes compliance very seriously so if you are heading in, please take one lawyer or ten.
On the flip side, Chinese investors, Nigeria is not just moi moi and jollof rice though both are worth the flight. We are Africa’s largest economy, a youthful population that is digitally native, and a growing middle class that wants to consume, build, and scale. But as with any vibrant economy, we have our unique legal terrain. Contracts need context. Partnerships need patience and due diligence. That is not just a formality, it is a survival strategy.
By promoting stronger economic ties and investment flows between our countries, we can unlock great value and create lasting benefits for both Nigerian and Chinese businesses.
So where do we, the legal professionals, come in? Simple, our job is to make the deals work. We ensure that intentions are backed by enforceable agreements, that regulatory hurdles become stepping stones not stumbling blocks and that disputes, when they arise if they must, don’t derail the relationship.
The truth is, lawyers are not obstacles to business. We’re the engine oil. You do not always notice us when things are going smoothly but try running without us, it cannot be a smooth journey.
Lawyers provide initial advice to potential investors about the Nigerian and/ or Chinese legal, political, social, economic environment to help them in taking the investment decision. The existing businesses are also to be alert to the changes in these factors and make appropriate and timely adjustments.
We need to also advice on Joint Ventures and Mergers, Dispute Resolution, Litigation, International Arbitration. Regulatory Compliance, Compliance with Trade Laws, Anti-Corruption Laws etc.
Let us take a moment to reflect on what makes international investments truly sustainable. It’s not just about capital or market entry. It’s about understanding. When Nigerian and Chinese businesses come together, they bring different legal traditions, different expectations, and different methods of handling risk. For we as legal professionals, Our job is to turn ambition into something solid. We create the legal clarity that helps partners move forward with confidence, not guesswork.
Now, we all know that doing business across borders can be complex. Different laws, unfamiliar procedures, and varying standards can slow things down. But that complexity should not be mistaken for obstruction. It’s something we can manage, even use to our advantage. When lawyers on both sides work together early, when we anticipate the issues and build structure around them, we transform risk into reliability. That way, legal cooperation becomes a real driver of investment, not just a support system.
Another area we need to focus on is building deeper connections between our legal communities. It’s not just about institutions talking to each other, it’s about cultivation of legal talent with international fluency. Imagine the long term value of young lawyers from Nigeria and China doing joint internships, collaborating on research, or participating in legal training across both jurisdictions. It’s those kinds of exchanges that create professionals who can not only bridge legal gaps but can interpret context and we’re all aware that in cross border matters, context is everything, it makes a big difference.
Again, we must be forward looking. The future of legal infrastructure is digital, Technology is changing the legal landscape everywhere. Tools like digital contracts, automated compliance checks, and AI-assisted legal research are no longer distant ideas. They’re here. If we integrate them wisely, we can speed up processes, improve transparency, and open up opportunities for smaller businesses to engage in international trade without being overwhelmed by complexity. Legal innovation should serve inclusion, not just efficiency.
Lastly, let us keep building legal bridges that are not just solid, but smart. Bridges that do not just connect but communicate. Bridges that support collaboration, protect investments, and create long-term prosperity for Nigeria, for China, and for everyone with a stake in this incredible partnership.
Thank you.
