Section 8 and 45 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act (“ACA”) impose a duty of disclosure of circumstances likely to give rise to any justifiable doubts as to the impartiality or independence of an arbitral tribunal. Thus, the sections mandate a duty of disclosure of any conflict of interest by an arbitrator when approached with an appointment opportunity, for domestic and international arbitration. This duty is a continuing obligation and is expected to subsist throughout the arbitral proceedings.

Similarly, in a potential conflict scenario, both provisions also permit parties to challenge an arbitrator within fifteen (15) days of becoming aware of the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, or of becoming aware of the conflict scenario, as the case may be.

As simple and straightforward as these obligations appear, their application and interpretation within the context of factual scenarios are not always as simple. What is more, the ACA itself does not provide much direction on the yardstick or guidelines for evaluating circumstances likely to give rise to any justifiable doubts as to an arbitrator’s impartiality or independence.

In Episode 4 of our Special Legal Podcasts, our seasoned dispute resolution experts: Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, FCIArb. (Partner); Chinedum Umeche, FCIArb. (Partner); Adeola Agunbiade-Adeyemi, MCIArb. (Senior Associate); and Sixtus Iwuoha (Associate) dissects the delicate and topical issue of conflict of interest in arbitral proceedings. The speakers shed some light and provide useful insights to parties and counsel in arbitral proceedings, on factors to bear in mind during the appointment process, as the question of conflict is fast becoming one of the go-to reasons for setting aside an arbitral award.

In the episode, Chinedum Umeche, Adeola Agunbiade, and Oluwamayokun David chat about
NICN's era on good or best international practices on termination of private contractual employments: implications for employers.
Chinedum Umeche is a Partner in the Litigation, Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution (Litigation, Arbitration & ADR) practice group. He is a seasoned dispute resolution expert and a chartered arbitrator (United Kingdom). Adeola Agunbiade. Adeola, seasoned litigation and arbitration lawyer, is a Senior Associate in our Litigation, Arbitration & ADR practice group.
Oluwamayokun David is an Associate in our Litigation, Arbitration & ADR practice group.

Chinedu, a Partner in the Litigation, Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution (Litigation, Arbitration & ADR) practice group. He is a seasoned dispute resolution expert and chartered arbitrator (United Kingdom) and Adeola, a seasoned litigation and arbitration lawyer, is a Senior Associate in our Litigation, Arbitration & ADR practice group, came together to speak on the NICN's era on good or best international practices on termination of private contractual employments.

Chinasa Uwanna is a Senior Associate in the firm's Intellectual Property & Technology Practice Group, also a versatile IP lawyer with a keen interest in helping Startups, Creatives, SMEs, MSMEs, and other business owners protect and manage their intellectual property rights. This episode will be talking about copyright in gospel music.

Tunji is a Senior Associate in the firm’s Shipping, Aviation, and International Trade Practice Group. He is a versatile lawyer with extensive experience advising domestic and international clients and industry leaders in the maritime and aviation sectors. Please relax in the next 10 minutes or so and listen, as he reviews the recent aviation-related tax incentives with their impact on the aviation industry.

One of the first things to determine when establishing a business entity is the specific purpose it will serve. It is also expedient to know about taxes, liabilities, management, and control, as well as how you receive profits and manage losses.

In this podcast, Olumide Osundolire, a partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, looks at aspects of CAMA 2020 that deals with the Introduction of New Types of Business Structures.

In this podcast, Toyin Bashir of Banwo & Ighodalo takes a look at sections of the revised Companies and Allied Matters Act that deal with MSMEs, NGOs and Non-Profits as well as Incorporated Trustees. This episode looks at mergers of associations and related matters.

In this podcast, Toyin Bashir of Banwo & Ighodalo takes a look at sections of the revised Companies and Allied Matters Act that deal with MSMEs, NGOs, and Non-Profits as well as Incorporated Trustees. This episode looks at mergers of associations and related matters.
Among others, CAMA 2020 introduces an alternative to the requirement of the Consent of the Attorney General of the Federation for the incorporation of a Company Limited by Guarantee. Listen and Find out more.

CAMA 2020 has made additions to the traditional requirements and procedures for Shareholder/Board Meetings & Secretarial Matters. In this podcast, Stella Duru, a partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, explains some of the amendments to the Act under the relevant sections relating to Annual General Meetings.