Pump Court Chambers

Regarded as a leading practitioner in the UK and Nigeria, Oba Nsugbe QC, SAN has a broad international practice focussing on Africa related litigation and dispute resolution. He provides high-level advice and representation for individuals, corporate clients and other organisations, (including NGOs), in matters ranging from business crime and corrupt practices to contractual and corporate disputes. His ongoing international work includes advising the Swiss Government in its case against Nigeria before ITLOS, acting as joint lead Counsel for two US companies in only Nigeria’s second case at ICSID, and Counsel in a multi-jurisdictional claim for families of multiple victims of the Dana Air Crash in Lagos in 2012. He advised and appeared for the Lagos State Government in arbitral proceedings instituted against it following the collapse of Enron and the termination of various related contracts entered into by the State. Oba has also provided expert advice and evidence on issues of Nigerian law to a wide range of institutional, corporate and individual clients ranging from the Treasury Solicitors to leading City firms and business entrepreneurs.

Called to the Bar in 1985, when Oba took silk in 2002 aged only 39, he was described in a leading law commentary as “a rising star of the Bar of England and Wales”. He commands considerable respect from both clients and peers. Numerous entries in Chambers and Partners over the years have described him as “a first-class advocate” as well as “a true gentleman who deserves his fabulous reputation”, adding that he has a “fine forensic mind” and is admired for his “technical excellence”. Contributors to the directory have also remarked that he is “fabulously personable, easy-going, and adored by judges and juries”, “works extremely well in a team” and “impresses interviewees with his calm and genial manner”. Oba was recognised as one of Africa’s top 20 arbitrators in Africa’s Arbitration Powerlist Awards, administered by the Africa Arbitration Academy.

Called 1985, Gray’s Inn; QC 2002. Appointed Crown Court recorder 1999; elected bencher of Gray’s Inn 2005; Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts 2006; legal assessor for the General Medical Council 2007; visiting professor of law, City University 2009; legal assessor to the Nursing and Midwifery Council 2013; legal assessor to the General Pharmaceutical Council 2014. Overseas appointments: appointed senior advocate of Nigeria 2005; Fellow Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) 2007; board member, Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors, Ghana 2010; member of the Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (on the appointment of H.E. President Goodluck Jonathan) 2013.

Body of Benchers, Nigeria 2005.

St Edward’s School, Oxford; University of Hull (LLB).

African art, jazz, travel.