The Nigerian branch of the International Law Association (ILA Nigeria) is set to convene its 9th annual conference from April 13 to 15, 2026, at the Naional Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja.
The three-day gathering will bring together legal experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the role of international law in combating tax evasion, illicit financial flows, money laundering, and other corruption-related economic and financial crimes.
The conference will feature keynote speeches, masterclasses, panel sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening legal frameworks to tackle these pressing global challenges.
The ILA Nigeria annual conference has held every year since 2014 as a gathering of leading international law experts, practitioners, policymakers and students, providing a leading platform for the study, clarification and implementation of international law frameworks in key sectors.
At a press conference heralding the commencement of this year’s conference, the Chairperson of the Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Grace Dafiel noted that this year’s conference, under the theme “Mitigating Economic and Financial Crime Risks in A Shifting Global Order: The Role of International Law” will provide a platform for international lawyers and diplomats to discuss the dynamic role of international law in fostering effective risk mitigation and regulatory enforcement on tax evasion, illicit financial flows, corruption and money laundering, to advance sustainable development.
Lawyers, non-lawyers in business and financial spheres, academics, advocate, practitioners and students interested in international law, would attend the conference.
Confirmed keynote and high-level speakers at the conference include the Former Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (2012-2021) and currently High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, H.E Dr. Fatou Bensouda; H.E Edward Harris, Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA); Professor Bolaji Owasonoye, SAN, OFR, Former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Coordinating Director, Proceeds of Crime Management and Illicit Financial Flows Directorate, Nigeria Revenue Services; and Mohamed M. Malick, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria amongst other speakers.
President of ILA Nigeria, who is also Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN noted that “Tax evasion, illicit financial flows (IFFs), corruption, and money laundering are multificated threats to sustainable development that require innovative legal solutions. Without tax, government cannot build roads, equip hospitals or support research.
Tax evasion and other IFFs are therefore not only development problems but, indeed, human rights problems.
There is therefore a strong business case in terms of risk mitigation, reputation management and corporate social responsibility for all stakeholders to stay abreast of effective risk management tools needed to better anticipate and prevent economic and financial crimes risks.
This year’s conference hopes to equip participants with latest information and international best practices in this regard.” the Learned Silk concluded.
The conference will also feature a President’s Dinner and Awards Night, including a Keynote Gala Conversation on international frameworks and mechanisms that could shape policy, corporate and investment strategies on mitigating economic and financial crime risks.
The ILA was founded in Brussels in 1873. The ILA now has more than 5,000 members in 45 national and regional branches around the world. It is headquartered in London under the leadership of the global chair, Professor Christine Chinkin.
The Nigerian Branch of the ILA regularly hosts innovative lectures, seminars, conferences, and other capacity development programs to advance the study and understanding of international law in Nigeria.
To learn more about the ILA, its activities, and events visit https://ilanigeria.org.ng
