The Restrictive Approach to Legal Representation in Arbitration Proceedings and its Unintended Consequences in Nigeria

The issue of legal representation in arbitration proceedings accounts for one of the sub-factors of ‘formal legal structure’ and ‘national arbitration law’ that disputing parties consider before choosing a seat of arbitration. Indeed, the ability of disputing parties in arbitration to freely select their desired representatives is embedded in the foundational principle of party autonomy. In Nigeria, a literal interpretation of the national arbitration rules prevents parties from selecting persons not admitted to the Nigerian bar as their representatives in arbitration proceedings. This article examines the impact of this restrictive approach on the attractiveness of Nigeria as a seat of arbitration. The article identifies scope for reform in the law and makes suggestions to create a more liberal legislative and judicial framework in order to promote Nigeria as a preferred seat for arbitration.