Deep Sea Mining (Part 2) – Legal Framework from a Global & Local Perspective
Introduction In Part 1 of our article, we explored the opportunities and challenges associated with Deep Sea Mining (DSM), with a focus on the role of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and its Mining Code, which serves as the primary framework for regulating mineral-related activities in the international seabed area, also known as “the Area.” […]
ISA 2025: What Investors Need to Know About Nigeria’s New Capital Market Law
INTRODUCTION The Investments and Securities Act 2025 (“ISA 2025” or the “New Act”) was signed into law in March 2025, repealing the Investments and Securities Act of 2007 (“ISA 2007 or the “Old Act”). This new legislation aims to strengthen existing regulations, protect investors, and open up new opportunities. It also codifies many of the […]
Afreximbank’s $3 Billion Power Move: Is Africa Ready to Refine Its Future?
Dear Readers, In a bold play to reclaim control of Africa’s energy destiny, the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has pledged $3 billion to finance the purchase of locally refined petroleum products across the continent. This was announced earlier this month by the Executive Vice-President, Kanayo Awani, at an energy conference in Cape Town, South Africa. […]
How the ISA 2025 Reshapes the Nigerian Virtual Asset Market
Introduction In early 2025, Nigeria’s rapidly growing cryptocurrency sector reached a major turning point. After years of regulatory confusion and a well-known banking ban on crypto transactions, a new law changed everything. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Investments and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025) into law, officially recognizing digital assets and cryptocurrencies as securities. […]
Unveiling Nigeria’s Carbon Market: Policies, Progress, and Prospects
INTRODUCTION World leaders gathered in Paris during the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) to endorse the Paris Agreement; an International Energy Treaty grounded in the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Within this pact, they committed to curbing the global rise in temperature to under 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, […]
Deep Sea Mining (Part 1): Challenges, Opportunities and Legal Frameworks
Introduction Deep Sea Mining “DSM” refers to the extraction of valuable mineral resources from the seabed in areas beyond the reach of traditional mining operations. These resources include polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and massive sulfides containing critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. The increasing demand for these minerals, driven by the […]
Exploring Surrogacy in Nigeria: A Compassionate Journey to Parenthood
INTRODUCTION In April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that infertility has become a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age. The WHO estimates that 1 in 6 people will experience infertility in their lifetime, indicating the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care. The family being the […]
Licenses Issued, But Can Nigeria’s Refineries Survive Without Crude?
Dear Readers, Nigeria’s refining sector is poised for expansion as the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has approved licenses for the construction of three new refineries. These facilities are expected to add 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the country’s domestic refining capacity. The newly licensed refineries include: […]
Third-Party Funding in International Arbitration: Disclosure Obligation as an Antidote to Conflicts of Interest in Third-Party Funding Arrangements.
INTRODUCTION The escalating costs associated with international arbitration have emerged as a significant concern, given their potential to reach exorbitant levels. These increasing costs have transformed into a formidable obstacle for the parties involved, fueling concerns that arbitration may only be accessible to “deep-pocket” entities or individuals, thereby potentially denying meritorious claims access to justice […]
Challenges of Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in Nigeria: Addressing the Inconsistencies in the Nigerian Legislations
Arbitration has become an increasingly preferred mechanism for resolving commercial disputes in Nigeria, offering parties a faster and more flexible alternative to litigation. However, the true effectiveness of arbitration lies in the ability to enforce arbitral awards seamlessly. While Nigeria has made significant strides in aligning its legal framework with international best practices, several challenges […]
