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Dispute Resolution Digest Q2 2026

July 21, 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 […]

Energy Law Digest Q2 2026

July 21, 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]