Updating knowledge and getting boots on the ground (LIDW25 briefs)

Over the course of last week, several hundred leading figures from the global dispute resolution community connected, learned, and socialised across a huge variety of London International Disputes Week (LIDW25) events, exploring key issues and topics, and helping to drive awareness and best practice globally.

Among those delegates are many who work on matters relating to Africa, and several disputes practitioners who have travelled to London from Africa.

“As African practitioners we are looking forward to a time when more arbitrations are centred in Africa,” said Ngo-Martins Okonmah on Thursday, while discussing “The future of Africa/UK Disputes – innovating for success in cross-border dispute resolution” at the offices of Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. 

One of more than 250 member-hosted events during LIDW25, that panel featured a superb lineup of British and African experts, with Ngo-Martins joined by Luisa Cetina of ALN Kenya, Paul Sinclair KC, and Phillip D'Costa of Penningtons Manches Cooper.

Following that session, we spoke further with Ngo-Martins. 

What brought you to London International Disputes Week, and why is it important for you as a Nigerian practitioner to be here?

It is a major event in our firm’s calendar from a business development perspective. Number one, it gives an opportunity for us to gain visibility, and there is an opportunity for us to be able to showcase what we do as a firm. Secondly, we have clients from all over Europe, but in London, we have many of our clients. Many international law firms are here as well, firms we work with very closely and have good relationships with. So it's an opportunity for us to keep the contact warm, meet with our clients, showcase what we do as a firm, and the strength of our practice. 

Could you share a little about yourself and your practice, both in Nigeria and with the cross-border work you do? 

So I'm a Nigerian qualified lawyer with roughly 17-18 years experience. I'm a partner in the firm of Aluko & Oyebode | ALN Nigeria and I do broad commercial dispute work. In addition, I have specific expertise with respect to construction law. I head our construction practice, and I do all forms of dispute resolution, from arbitration to enforcement of awards to general litigation work, and just supporting clients with respect to ongoing projects. I also have experience doing non-contentious construction work, in terms of advising on EPC contracts and various range of structuring, negotiations, and engagements with respect to project development and engagement with contractors or project owners, as the case may be.

You’ve come from Lagos to LIDW25. There are also lots of Africa-based legal conferences occurring this year. How important is it for international lawyers with an interest in Africa to come down regularly, eg for your conferences, and get their boots on the ground?

I think you answered the question. You do need boots on the ground. As a firm we budget for key events where we believe we should be. There are many events out there, such as the Africa Construction Law Conference we recently held, or you mentioned Mining Indaba and Africa Energy Forum, these sorts of business-focused events in Africa, along with London International Disputes Week. These events are critical because it’s an opportunity to update your knowledge in terms of current trends that are happening around the world, recent cases from across jurisdictions that will be relevant to your practice, and more critically to be able to connect with clients, colleagues, contacts, and associates.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about LIDW25 or your law firm?

Just to reinforce that Aluko & Oyebode is the biggest partnership in Lagos, a top tier, full-service law firm. Investors looking to Nigeria, we have a one-stop shop for you, and experience spanning many decades advising on all forms of complex projects in Africa. More importantly, because we’re on the ground, we understand local nuances very clearly, and we’re able to assist clients and investors looking to navigate the very uncertain terrain you sometimes find within African markets. We have experience engaging our regulators, can provide support as trusted advisors, and we’re able to guide you seamlessly to ensure your project is a success. 

This interview is part of Africa Legal's coverage of London International Disputes Week 2025. You can read more about other delegates, speakers, and events: 

• Africa is the future for energy transition, and more (LIDW25 briefs)

• Tailoring a green legal practice (LIDW25 briefs)

• The Power of Pro Bono, for all involved

• Connecting with great minds (LIDW25 briefs)

Or view our full suite of LIDW25 coverage here