There will be no economic growth in the absence of the rule of law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Lawrence Fubara Anga, has said.
The Founding Partner at AELEX, a commercial and dispute resolution law firm, said the rule of law goes beyond governance.
‘The rule of law is not just a political or human rights issue.
‘It is the foundation of economic growth, investor confidence, and sustainable prosperity.
‘Without it, the aspirations for positive transformation cannot materialise,’ Anga said.
He spoke during a briefing on the firm’s 19th Annual Lecture, billed for October 14, 2025, with the theme ‘Rule of law and economic development: the Nigerian experience.’
The flagship intellectual forum, which has become a fixture on Nigeria’s legal and business calendar, will feature former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) as keynote speaker.
Anga said the lecture serves as part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility and provides government, business leaders, and the public with critical insights into national challenges.
He further noted that: ‘People don’t always agree, but they generally engage honestly. That credibility is what makes this forum unique.’
He added that AELEX intends to compile a summary of discussions from the lecture and make them available to government institutions for policy consideration.
Managing Partner, Mr. Adedapo Tunde-Olowu (SAN), described the annual lecture as a platform dedicated to fostering dialogue at the intersection of law, governance, economics, and society.
‘Over nearly two decades, the AELEX Annual Lecture has earned its reputation as one of the most respected intellectual gatherings.
‘It has provided a space for rigorous debate, shaping conversations that influence both national and continental development,’ he said.
Since its inception, the lecture series has hosted global thought leaders, including Judge Mervyn King S.C., Prof. Patrick Lumumba, Mr. John Githongo, Professor Frederic Jenny, and Dr. Kwabena Donkor.
This year’s panel of discussants will bring together leading voices across law, business, and public affairs. Confirmed participants include Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group; Mr. Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd.; and Dr. Reuben Abati, journalist and public affairs analyst.
The 2025 edition will also address pressing issues such as property rights, sanctity of contracts, regulatory powers, and dispute resolution mechanisms, all of which are central to Nigeria’s economic revival efforts.
To extend participation beyond the physical venue, proceedings will be streamed live on the firm’s YouTube channel, @AELEXPARTNERS, allowing a global audience to engage in the dialogue.
The AELEX Annual Lecture has grown into a non-partisan platform where diverse voices exchange ideas without fear of partisanship.