A Nigerian lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, is pushing for the Supreme Court to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to issue an order for the enforcement of foreign judgments in Nigeria. Ekpenyong argues that the AGF has failed to promulgate Part 1 of the Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act since its enactment in 1960, causing economic harm by preventing the registration of foreign judgments in the country. The lawyer believes this move would enhance international trade and boost the Nigerian economy, allowing foreign businesses to recover monetary judgments in Nigeria.
The Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal previously ruled in favor of the AGF, stating that the AGF’s discretion under the law is not absolute and cannot be reviewed judicially. However, Ekpenyong is appealing to the Supreme Court to overturn these rulings, arguing that the AGF’s discretion should be subject to judicial review to prevent misuse. The lawyer also claims to have suffered business losses due to the inaction on the part of the AGF.
No hearing date has yet been set for the Supreme Court’s review of the case.
