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    July 29, 2026
    News, News LETTER

    Medical Law Digest Q2 2026

    The second quarter of 2026 saw significant regulatory and legislative activity across Nigeria’s healthcare sector — from expanded consumer protection powers over healthcare providers to new frameworks for digital pharmacies, health financing, and public health institutions. This edition of the Medical Law Digest covers the key developments. HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS EDITION: Healthcare Accountability Expanded as Court Confirms FCCPC’s Investigative Powers In a landmark judgment delivered 15 April 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s authority to investigate patient complaints relating to healthcare services. Justice Emeka Nwite held that a healthcare provider offering diagnostic services for reward qualifies as an “undertaking” under the FCCPA 2018, and that the absence of a formal coordination agreement with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria does not suspend the FCCPC’s statutory powers. NAFDAC Proposes Mandatory Sodium Limits to Combat Diet-Related Diseases NAFDAC has proposed the Reduction of Sodium in Processed and Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026, introducing mandatory maximum sodium limits across categories such as bread, instant noodles, processed meats, bouillon cubes, and snack foods, with phased reformulation targets aligned to the WHO’s 30% population sodium-reduction goal by 2030. Breaking the Cost Barrier: Renewed Calls for Public Funding of Sickle Cell Treatment The Oladipupo Foundation for Sickle Cell has urged the Federal Government to subsidise stem cell transplantation for people living with sickle cell disorder, arguing the procedure’s cost remains prohibitive for most Nigerian families despite its curative potential, and calling for expanded insurance coverage and anti-discrimination protections. Prescription-Only Antibiotics: Stakeholders Press for Stronger Controls Against Antimicrobial Resistance The Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative (CAFSANI) has called on the Federal Government to prohibit the sale of antibiotics without a valid prescription, citing antimicrobial resistance’s estimated 700,000 annual deaths and urging full implementation of Nigeria’s National Action Plan on AMR. Public Vigilance as a Regulatory Tool: Lagos Intensifies Campaign Against Medical Quackery The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has reinforced its campaign against unlicensed healthcare facilities, urging residents to report unaccredited providers and to seek treatment only from facilities displaying HEFAMAA’s official accreditation logo under the Lagos State Health Sector Reform Law. Senate Backs Health Levy Reform to Strengthen Prevention and Healthcare Financing The Senate has passed the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, replacing the fixed excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages with a percentage-of-retail-price levy, with proceeds earmarked for health promotion, disease prevention, and expanded health insurance coverage. Health Insurance Mandate Extended to Nigeria’s Digital Workforce The National Health Insurance Authority has directed operators of app-based transport, food delivery, and logistics platforms to ensure workers engaged through their platforms are enrolled in health insurance schemes, giving effect to the compulsory coverage provisions of the NHIA Act 2022. Lawmakers Advance Comprehensive Alcohol Control Bill to Tackle Public Health Risks The House of Representatives has initiated the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm Bill, seeking to regulate the production, marketing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages nationwide while strengthening protections for minors and other vulnerable groups. Nigeria Introduces Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Digital Pharmacy Services The Federal Government has […]

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    July 29, 2026
    News, News LETTER

    Entertainment Law Digest Q2 2026

    The second quarter of 2026 brought significant developments at the intersection of entertainment, copyright, and artificial intelligence — both within Nigeria and globally. This edition of the Entertainment Law Digest covers regulatory scrutiny of copyright administration, landmark AI-related litigation involving major record labels and global artists, and a pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling on ISP liability. HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS EDITION: Nigerian House of Representatives Launches Investigation into Alleged Copyright Royalty Diversion The House of Representatives has opened a formal probe into allegations that intellectual property revenues were diverted from rightful creative owners under the immediate past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Initiated by lawmaker Hon. Nkemkanma Kama following sustained pressure from the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and industry stakeholders, the House Committee on Justice has been mandated to interface with the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and industry stakeholders under Section 88 of the Constitution. IFPI Africa Conference Calls for Copyright Enforcement Reform The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry hosted its Africa Performance Rights Conference in Lagos on 31 March–1 April 2026, convening record label executives, collective management organisations, and government officials including Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy. Discussions centred on licensing reform, digital piracy enforcement, and establishing clearer contractual parameters for AI developers using copyrighted catalogs. U.S. Musicians’ Union Sues Universal Music and Warner Music Over AI Licensing On 5 June 2026, the American Federation of Musicians filed suit against Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, alleging the labels licensed sound recordings to AI platforms Suno and Udio without notifying or compensating the session musicians involved — a potential breach of the industry-wide Sound Recording Labor Agreement. Taylor Swift’s Trademark Filings to Protect Her Voice and Image From AI Deepfakes Taylor Swift, through TAS Rights Management, filed three USPTO trademark applications on 24 April 2026 — including two “sound marks” for her spoken voice and a visual mark from her Eras Tour — in a novel attempt to combat unauthorised AI deepfakes. Zee Entertainment Sues Reliance-Disney Joint Venture Over Music Copyright Zee Entertainment filed a 1,800-page suit against JioStar (the Reliance-Disney media venture) at the Delhi High Court, alleging unlawful use of its music catalog after licensing agreements lapsed, and is seeking roughly US$3 million in initial damages. Dua Lipa’s Reported Personality-Rights Lawsuit Dua Lipa filed suit against Samsung Electronics in a California court, seeking US$15 million over the unauthorised use of a copyrighted festival photograph on retail packaging, raising questions about liability across corporate licensing supply chains. U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Cox Communications v. Sony Music In a unanimous ruling on 25 March 2026, the Supreme Court held that internet service providers cannot be held contributorily liable for subscribers’ copyright infringement based merely on generalised awareness — a significant limitation on rights holders’ ability to pursue ISPs for piracy. European Creator Coalition Demands Reform in Music Streaming and AI Regulation The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance hosted a conference in Brussels on 2 June 2026, bringing together EU policymakers to address generative AI’s impact on streaming royalties and to push for mandatory transparency and authorisation requirements […]

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  • 0
    July 21, 2026
    News LETTER

    Dispute Resolution Digest Q2 2026

    The second quarter of 2026 produced landmark judgments and significant regulatory developments in dispute resolution across Nigeria and internationally. This edition covers key court decisions from the Supreme Court, Federal High Court, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS EDITION: CBN Proposes Mandatory Mediation Panel for Secured Lending Disputes On 9th April 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued draft guidelines establishing a Mediation and Dispute Resolution Panel as the mandatory first forum for resolving disputes arising from secured transactions in movable assets. The Panel will have first-instance jurisdiction, with proceedings required to conclude within 90 days and compliance within 30 days of decisions. Federal High Court Restrains Police and FRSC from Imposing Insurance-Related Fines Without Court Order On 24th April 2026, the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Deji Adeyanju v. Inspector-General of Police & Ors (FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025), restrained the Nigeria Police Force and FRSC from imposing fines on motorists alleged to have breached the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without first obtaining a valid court order. Supreme Court Clarifies the Scope of Arbitration Agreements In Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Ltd v. Afdin Ventures Limited & 6 Ors (2026) LPELR-83327(SC), delivered on 6th March 2026, the Supreme Court clarified that a non-signatory may be bound by an arbitration agreement where it claims through a signatory or is sufficiently connected with the underlying contractual relationship. Supreme Court Defines the Limits of a Receiver’s Authority in Contested Receivership Proceedings In Neconde Energy Limited & Nestoil Limited v. FBN Quest Merchant Bank Limited & Ors (SC/CV/48/2026), delivered on 10th April 2026, the Supreme Court held that where the legality of a receiver’s appointment is itself in issue, the receiver cannot assume authority to appoint counsel to represent the company in the same proceedings. Supreme Court Strengthens Justice Delivery with Mandatory Electronic Filing Practice Directions 2026 On 30th June 2026, the Chief Justice of Nigeria issued the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Direction 2026, taking effect from 1st July 2026, requiring electronic filing in OCR-enabled PDF format. Federal High Court Issues New Practice Directions for Pre-Election Matters On 29th June 2026, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions 2026, introducing reforms including mandatory commencement of actions by Originating Summons, virtual hearings, and Registries remaining open on weekends for pre-election filings. The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules: A New Era of Efficiency On 1st June 2026, the International Chamber of Commerce launched the revised 2026 ICC Rules of Arbitration, introducing electronic communications, digital case management, abolition of mandatory Terms of Reference, and the Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions (HEAP) for awards within three months. CAS Decision on Pregnancy Discrimination in Sports Employment On 24th June 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Maja Göthberg v. S.S. Lazio Women (CAS 2025/A/11527) held that Lazio Women unlawfully terminated the employment of Swedish footballer Maja Göthberg after learning of her pregnancy — the first CAS ruling to uphold a pregnancy discrimination claim under FIFA’s enhanced maternity regulations. Court Reaffirms the Limits of Copyright: Walls & Gates […]

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  • 0
    July 21, 2026
    News LETTER

    Energy Law Digest Q2 2026

    The second quarter of 2026 witnessed significant regulatory developments across Nigeria’s energy sector. This edition of the Energy Law Digest covers key developments in upstream petroleum, domestic crude supply obligations, gas sector financing, electricity sector reforms, and energy transition governance. HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS EDITION: Domestic Crude Supply Obligation and Domestic Refining: From Policy to Implementation The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) published performance data showing crude supply commitments to domestic refineries. According to the NUPRC’s Q1 2026 DCSO report, 61.9 million barrels were allocated to domestic refineries, while actual deliveries amounted to only 28.5 million barrels — highlighting the gap between regulatory obligation and operational reality. Upstream Production Outlook and Licensing Developments Nigeria recorded crude oil output averaging approximately 1.53 million barrels per day in May 2026, marginally exceeding the OPEC production quota benchmark of 1.5 million barrels per day. The NUPRC indicated preparations for the 2026 oil and gas licensing round, with commencement projected for Q3 2026. NUPRC Conversion and Renewal (Licences and Leases) Regulations, 2026 The NUPRC issued updated regulations establishing procedures for the conversion, renewal, and extension of upstream petroleum titles under the PIA regime, replacing the earlier 2022 framework. Gas Sector Financing, Energy Transition and Data Governance The NUPRC called on financial institutions to support domestic gas development, while the National Bureau of Statistics announced enhanced collaboration with NUPRC to improve upstream petroleum data collection. Electricity Sector and Energy Transition Developments The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) confirmed transition of regulatory oversight for intrastate electricity to state electricity regulators. NERC also issued the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 and announced the Net Billing Regulations 2026. Downstream Petroleum Market Developments Domestic refineries recorded approximately 99.12% capacity utilisation in April 2026, with declining dependence on imported petroleum products. However, pricing and supply coordination challenges between producers and refiners remained ongoing. [Download Full Digest PDF]

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