BNLF at 25: Why the future of UK–Nigeria legal and business relations will be built on partnership, investment and trust

As Nigeria seeks to attract investment, strengthen trade ties and position itself as a gateway to Africa, the legal profession is playing an increasingly important role in enabling commerce, investment and institutional confidence.

Those themes will take centre stage at the British Nigeria Law Forum (BNLF) Nigeria Summit 2026, scheduled for 25–26 June in Lagos. The event, themed “A New Dawn in Law, Investment and Opportunity in UK–Nigeria Relations,” will also mark the Forum’s 25th anniversary.

Founded in 2001, BNLF has evolved into a key platform connecting legal professionals, policymakers, regulators, investors and business leaders across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Its work has gained greater relevance as both countries seek to translate longstanding professional and diaspora ties into stronger commercial partnerships.

Ahead of the Summit, we spoke with Kash Balogun, Chair of BNLF, and Genevieve Nwodo Wakeley-Jones, Vice Chair of BNLF, about the significance of the milestone, the evolving UK–Nigeria relationship, and why they believe the next chapter of collaboration must be driven by practical engagement, investment and trust.

BNLF is celebrating 25 years. Why does this anniversary matter?

 Wakeley-Jones:
The anniversary reflects 25 years of sustained relationships between legal professionals in Nigeria and the UK. What began as a professional network has evolved into a platform for collaboration, mentorship, business engagement and policy dialogue.

More importantly, it is an opportunity to look ahead. As UK–Nigeria relations become more investment-driven and commercially focused, BNLF has a role to play in helping shape the next chapter.

Why is the 2026 Nigeria Summit particularly important?

Balogun:
The Summit comes at a time when both countries are seeking more practical ways to deepen trade and investment ties. The challenge is not goodwill, but translating it into tangible opportunities and partnerships.

BNLF provides a platform where lawyers, investors, regulators, businesses and policymakers can have those conversations. Since legal certainty and regulatory clarity underpin investment decisions, law naturally sits at the centre of the discussion.

What lessons did BNLF take from the inaugural Nigeria Summit?

Balogun:
The first Summit confirmed strong demand for a platform that brings together law, business, policy and investment. Discussions focused on practical issues such as cross-border investment, dispute resolution and commercial collaboration.

It also strengthened our relationship with key institutions, particularly the Nigerian Bar Association. Our joint “Future-Ready Lawyer” webinar with NBA-SBL and NBA-SLP attracted over 3,000 participants, demonstrating strong appetite for continued collaboration.

What has changed since the first Summit?

Wakeley-Jones:
Since the first Summit, interest has grown significantly among law firms, financial institutions, regulators and corporates. The conversation has also expanded beyond law to include investment, technology, trade, innovation and the role of the diaspora.

The partnership with NiDCOM for the 2026 Summit is important in that context. The Nigerian diaspora is a significant part of the UK–Nigeria story. It contributes skills, capital, networks, professional expertise and cultural understanding. If we are serious about deepening UK–Nigeria relations, the diaspora must be part of the conversation.

We have also seen greater visibility in the UK. BNLF’s recent engagement at the Houses of Parliament underlined the extent to which UK–Nigeria legal and business relations are now part of a wider policy and commercial conversation.

How does the Summit fit into the wider UK–Nigeria trade and investment relationship?

Balogun:
The UK and Nigeria already have a substantial trade relationship, but there is significant room for growth. The UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership has created a framework for deeper cooperation. However, frameworks only succeed if they are supported by implementation. That means businesses, lawyers, investors, regulators and policymakers need to engage directly.

The Summit is intended to support that process by focusing on the practical barriers and opportunities: investor confidence, legal certainty, regulatory alignment, dispute resolution, capital flows, market access and professional collaboration.

What does the theme “A New Dawn in Law, Investment and Opportunity in UK–Nigeria Relations” mean in practical terms?

Wakeley-Jones:

It means moving beyond goodwill and conversations to practical partnerships, better understanding and measurable opportunities.

While legal collaboration is central to BNLF’s work, the Summit is designed to be broader, focusing on investment, innovation, trade, technology, tax and dispute resolution alongside legal collaboration.

It also recognises the role of a new generation of Nigerian and British-Nigerian professionals whose skills, networks and experience can help strengthen both economies.

What should delegates expect from Day One?

Balogun:
Day One will feature an invitation-only policy roundtable at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, bringing together political leaders, regulators, investors and senior legal professionals.

We are particularly pleased that Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK Trade Envoy for West Africa covering Nigeria and Ghana, is expected to participate and chair one of the roundtables. The day will conclude with a welcome cocktail reception at the Deputy British High Commissioner’s Residence designed to encourage high-level networking and engagement.

What will happen on Day Two?

Wakeley-Jones:
Day Two will take place at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos and will feature panel discussions, networking sessions and the 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Discussions will cover investment, innovation, legal reform, dispute resolution, technology and professional services. Our goal is for delegates to leave with practical insights, new connections and a clearer understanding of opportunities between both countries.

Why is the Nigerian Bar Association partnership important?

Balogun:
The Nigerian Bar Association is central to the legal profession, and any credible UK–Nigeria platform must engage it in a meaningful way.

Our partnership with NBA-SLP and NBA-SBL ensures the Summit is both international in outlook and grounded in the Nigerian legal market. Its impact was evident after the 2025 Summit, when we jointly hosted the “Future-Ready Lawyer” webinar, attracting over 3,000 participants and demonstrating practical, not just ceremonial, collaboration.

We are also pleased that senior NBA representatives, including the General Secretary and leaders of NBA-SLP and NBA-SBL, are expected to participate. This ensures the discussions remain relevant to the priorities of the Nigerian legal profession.

For BNLF, this is about long-term institutional collaboration that supports lawyers, clients, businesses and policymakers in both countries.

How does the NiDCOM partnership fit into the Summit?

Wakeley-Jones:
The diaspora is one of the strongest links between Nigeria and the UK. It contributes expertise, networks, investment and professional connections across both countries.

Working with NiDCOM helps ensure that diaspora perspectives are fully reflected in the Summit and reinforces the importance of people-to-people relationships in UK–Nigeria cooperation.

What role does the next generation play in BNLF’s plans?

Wakeley-Jones:
The next generation is central to BNLF’s future.

Young lawyers and professionals are looking for access: access to mentors, access to networks, access to international opportunities and access to people who can help them understand how to build careers across jurisdictions.

BNLF has a responsibility to help create those pathways. Our aim is to create pathways that allow emerging professionals to participate actively in UK–Nigeria engagement and help shape its future.

Mentorship, visibility and opportunity are all important. If we want stronger institutions and stronger professional links in the future, we have to invest in the people who will lead them.

How has your Africa-focused legal practice shaped your leadership of BNLF?

Balogun:

My work across litigation, arbitration, investment and commercial matters in Africa has reinforced the importance of trust and strong relationships in cross-border business. It has also shaped my vision for BNLF as a practical platform that creates opportunities, fosters collaboration and supports professional growth.

The 2026 Summit reflects that ambition. It is about strengthening the connections that support trade, investment and legal cooperation between the UK and Nigeria.

What has allowed BNLF to remain relevant for 25 years?

Wakeley-Jones:
BNLF has remained relevant because its core purpose: building trusted relationships between Nigeria and the UK remains as important as ever. At the same time, it has evolved to address emerging issues such as fintech, AI, digital trade, investment and regulatory reform.

Its strength lies in balancing continuity with innovation, preserving the relationships that built the organisation while staying focused on the future.

What would success look like after the 2026 Summit?

Balogun:
Success will not be measured only by the number of people in the room, although we expect strong participation from senior stakeholders across Nigeria and the UK.

Did businesses form partnerships? Did lawyers build relationships? Did investors gain confidence? Did it help policymakers better understand the practical barriers facing the private sector? Did it create opportunities for junior professionals?

We want the Summit to be a catalyst. The aim is not simply to hold a conference but to help build relationships that continue long after the event has ended.

Where do you see BNLF in the next decade?

Wakeley-Jones:

I see BNLF as a stronger platform for UK–Nigeria engagement, with a deeper presence in both countries and a wider network of professionals and institutions.

The focus will remain on modern priorities such as investment, innovation, inclusive growth, legal certainty and professional excellence. BNLF’s role is to convene credible conversations, support emerging talent and strengthen long-term relationships.

Balogun:
The next decade is about scale, impact and sustainability. BNLF has built a strong foundation over 25 years, and the task now is to expand it with ambition and discipline.

The 2026 Summit reflects this direction: more strategic, commercially relevant and institutionally connected, with a focus on creating value for both Nigeria and the UK.

This 25th anniversary is not an endpoint—it is the start of a more ambitious chapter in UK–Nigeria collaboration.