Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in Nigeria: A 2026 Practitioner's Guide

Nigeria's Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 modernised the framework for recognising and enforcing foreign arbitral awards, aligning domestic practice more closely with the New York Convention. Under the new regime, an award creditor seeking enforcement must apply to the Federal High Court or the High Court of a State, supported by an authenticated original award, the arbitration agreement, and — where the award is in a foreign language — a certified English translation. Three grounds for resistance recur in Nigerian practice: allegations of improper composition of the tribunal, breaches of natural justice at the merits stage, and public policy objections. The last is particularly Nigerian in flavour — our courts have repeatedly emphasised that public policy is a narrow gateway, not a merits appeal in disguise. Strategically, award creditors should pair recognition proceedings with early asset-tracing steps. The window between the application and any set-aside challenge is often when respondents dissipate reachable assets. Interim preservation orders under section 20 of the Act remain the most underused tool in the enforcement arsenal. Our Civil & Commercial Litigation team has led enforcement matters across the Federal High Court's admiralty, commercial, and general divisions. Reach out for a case-specific assessment.