Arbitration practitioners in Nigeria have called for a significant change in attitude towards accountability and integrity within the practice of the profession in Nigeria. 
  
The call was made at the 2023 Annual Dinner of the Arbitration Committee of the International Law Association (ILA) Nigeria, held in Lagos State.The event, themed ‘International Arbitration: Putting Our House in Order’, brought together leading experts to reflect upon the current state of arbitration in Nigeria.
   
The event was attended by a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour; the Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, the Attorney General of Oyo State, Mr Biodun Aikomo, immediate past Chairperson of the Arbitration Committee of ILA, Mrs Doyin Rhodes-Vivour (SAN), Folashade Alli (SAN), Mr. Musa Sanusi, (SAN), and Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anichere (SAN), among other speakers.
  
In his opening remarks, the President of the International Law Association, Nigerian branch, Prof Damilola Olawuyi (SAN), commended the efforts of the Arbitration Committee in spearheading change within the Nigerian arbitration landscape.  
  
The Chairman of the Arbitration Committee, Mr Tolulope Aderemi, urged practitioners to have accountability partners to ensure adherence to ethical standards and he dispelled the notion that Nigerian arbitrators are incompetent, highlighting the presence of experienced and diligent professionals with impeccable character.
  
Mr. Babatunde Fagbohunlu, (SAN), while delivering a keynote address on ‘International Commercial Arbitration: Putting Our House in Order’, focused on the challenges faced by African arbitrators in accessing the global arbitration market and the significant arbitral awards against the Nigerian government. 
  
He emphasised the need for Nigerian arbitrators to equip themselves for global opportunities. He said establishment of a single arbitration institution for the African continent will enhance its attractiveness and participation in international arbitration. 

The Fireside Chat featured Mrs. Hairat Balogun, a Life Bencher and the first female Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, who addressed the ethical issues plaguing the legal profession. 
  
Balogun attributed the loss of the profession’s standing in society to the lack of adherence to ethical rules and the diluted training of lawyers in the country.
 
Appreciating the participants, the Committee Secretary, Mrs Foluke Akinmoladun, also acknowledged the need to implement a universal or national code of ethics to govern the conduct of its members.
  
ILA was founded in Brussels in 1873. It 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, Prof Christine Chinkin.