Clifford Chance, DAC Beachcroft and Mishcon de Reya are among the London-based international firms taking part in a government-backed trade mission to Nigeria today. The initaitive, the latest in the Ministry of Justice's Legal Services are GREAT campaign, aims to promote the UK’s £24 billion legal services sector. However the ministry's announcement does not mention the long-running issue of practising rights in the heavily regulated Nigerian market.  

During the three-day visit, 23 solicitors and barristers from across the UK are due to meet Nigerian business leaders and lawyers for skill sharing workshops, talks and seminars promoting collaboration and partnership working. Lord Chancellor David Gauke said: 'Our legal system is rightly revered and renowned across the world, and the expertise of our leading lawyers will help to secure investment in Nigeria while creating new business opportunities for UK law firms and chambers.'

Trade between the UK and Nigeria is worth £4.2bn a year.  

Morag Ofili, associate with Mishcon de Reya's dispute resolution team, said: 'I believe this will be a great opportunity to strengthen our firm’s relationships with Nigerian law firms and businesses. I hope to build new relationships that will enable Mishcon to extend the international footprint of its core services – working collaboratively with local professionals who will supplement and complement our offering.'

Olu Dansu, senior associate in DAC Beachcroft’s global insurance team, said: 'I'm honoured to be part of this delegation and see this trade mission as an opportunity to forge strong and mutually beneficial relationships with aspirational businesses in Nigeria.'