Nigerian Arbitrators Maikyau, Idornigie, Onyema, And Roberts Elevated To Permanent Court Of Arbitration

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s legal sector, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, the 31st President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), along with three other eminent arbitrators, has been elected to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands.

Maikyau, one of Nigeria’s leading arbitrators, was appointed to this prestigious international body in recognition of his dedication to justice, human rights, and legal reform.

The other eminent arbitrators whose nominations have been confirmed by the PCA are former Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Paul Idornigie SAN; Prof. Emilia Onyema, FCIArb; and Mrs. Funmi Roberts, FCIArb. All four appointees are also members of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and will serve for an initial six-year period.

The PCA, established in 1899, is an intergovernmental organization that provides dispute resolution services to the international community. It operates under the principles of international law, offering a forum for the peaceful resolution of conflicts through arbitration and other means. The election of Maikyau and his colleagues to the PCA highlights their standing in the international legal community and showcases Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.

Maikyau, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has had a distinguished career spanning several decades. As the 31st President of the NBA, he has been a prominent advocate for justice, human rights, and legal reform. His tenure has been marked by significant initiatives to promote the rule of law, decongest correctional facilities, and enhance access to justice for all Nigerians.

Quoting Sapara Williams, the first Indigenous Nigerian lawyer, Maikyau has embodied the principle that “A lawyer lives for the direction of his people and the advancement of the cause of his country.” Under his leadership, the NBA has championed numerous initiatives to improve the Nigerian legal system, including providing pro bono legal services to indigent individuals and advocating for the rights of inmates.