The International Law Association (ILA) was founded in Brussels in 1873. The ILA now has some 3,500 members in 45 national and regional branches around the world. It is headquartered in London under the leadership of its Executive Chair, Professor Christine Chinkin.

The objectives of the ILA, under its Constitution, are “the study, clarification and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law”. As a preeminent international non-government organization at the forefront of the development and clarification of international law, the ILA has consultative status with a number of the United Nations specialized agencies. The Association’s objectives are pursued primarily through the work of its International Committees, and the focal point of its activities is the series of Biennial Conferences. The Conferences, of which more than 75 have so far been held in different locations throughout the world, provide a forum for the comprehensive discussion and endorsement of the work of the Committees.

The Nigerian Branch of the ILA (ILA Nigeria) is one of the newest Branches of the ILA. It was founded in 2014 with its pioneer President being Prof. Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN. The

Branch was formally inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria at a public ceremony held on October 28, 2014.

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Under the distinguished leadership of its current President, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi SAN, FCIArb, ILA Nigeria seeks to promote the study, elucidation, and advancement of international law, public and private, the study of comparative law, the making of proposals for the solution of conflicts of law, and for the unification of law, the furthering of international understanding of Nigeria's approach to international law and to promote idea exchange amongst Nigerians interested in the study and practice of international law.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership of the ILA is open to anyone interested in international law. This includes practicing lawyers; members of the academia, government, corporations or associations based in Nigeria; full time students; and non-lawyer experts from public, commercial, industrial and financial spheres.

Membership of the ILA confers a number of benefits from the ILA Headquarters and from the Nigerian Branch. Members are entitled to receive the ILA Biennial Conference Report and to attend ILA global biennial conferences at a reduced rate. Furthermore, The Nigerian Branch holds a number of international law conferences and seminars which members are entitled to attend mostly free of charge or at a discounted rate. The Nigerian Branch also nominates individual members to sit on ILA International Committees.

We encourage all lawyers, academics, advocates, practitioners, and students who have interests in international law to join the Branch and become involved in this important work of promoting Nigeria’s international law expertise to the rest of the world.