A Guide To Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards In Nigerian Courts

1.0 INTRODUCTION

As international trade and investment expand, disputes arising from cross-border commercial transactions are increasingly being resolved through arbitration rather than litigation. Arbitration offers parties a private, neutral, and often faster forum to resolve disputes. However, the value of arbitration lies not only in obtaining an award but in ensuring that the award can be enforced in the jurisdiction where the debtor's assets are located.

Nigeria, a signatory to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention), has developed a robust legal framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. This framework is significantly enhanced by the Arbitration and Mediation Act, 2023, which repealed the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Cap A18, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.