THE AUTHOR:
Toheeb Amuda, Associate at ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode
Introduction
When it was announced that I had won the Young Arbitration Practitioner of the Year award during the Africa Arbitration Awards ceremony in Addis Ababa in September 2024, I couldn’t help but think back to that eager law student in 2017, sitting nervously in his first arbitration training at the Lagos Court of Arbitration. The journey between those two moments would test not just my legal knowledge, but my determination, resilience, and faith in following one’s passion.
The First Step
My journey into arbitration began in 2017, while I was completing my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree at Obafemi Awolowo University. During that period, I attended my first training at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, where I completed the Introduction to Arbitration course. It was there that I realised the immense potential arbitration held as an alternative to litigation, which in Nigeria, as in many other jurisdictions, can drag on for years. One lecture that resonated deeply with me emphasised the speed, flexibility of the process and finality of arbitral awards. From there, my passion for arbitration truly deepened, but the path was not without its challenges.
Learning to Balance
Balancing the demands of academic life with my growing interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was no small feat, especially as I frequently travelled to attend trainings and events, all while managing coursework. Additionally, pursuing further training programmes often required significant financial commitments. One key lesson I learned through this experience was the importance of time management and prioritisation. I developed a mindset focused on long-term goals, understanding that every training attended and every event participated in was an investment in my future. My parents provided unwavering support, both emotionally and financially, ensuring I could continue pursuing my passion.
Finding My Mentors
In 2018, I joined the law firm of Dorothy Ufot & Co, a top-tier firm in Lagos, Nigeria, where I worked under the tutelage of Prof. Dorothy Udeme Ufot, SAN. This invaluable experience honed my skills in dispute resolution and corporate/commercial practice, giving me the opportunity to represent clients in a broad spectrum of disputes before Nigeria’s superior courts. These included matters related to the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards, asset tracing, and more. One pivotal moment came when I received my first appointment as a Tribunal Secretary in an LCIA arbitration involving Tanzanian parties. This role allowed me to experience arbitration not just as a lawyer, but from the perspective of the arbitrator. I gained a deeper appreciation of the procedural and decision-making processes that shape arbitral awards, viewing the proceedings through the lens of impartiality and fairness. I became more attuned to the arbitrator’s responsibility to manage the process and ensure equitable treatment of all parties.
In 2020, I was selected for the Association of Young Arbitrators’ Mentoring Programme where I was matched with incredible mentors like Kamal Shah, Partner and Head of the Africa & India Groups at Stephenson Harwood, and Nania Owusu-Ankomah, FCIArb, Partner at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, Ghana. Through their guidance, I sharpened my written advocacy skills through specialized training with 3 Verulam Buildings, while also enhancing my business development acumen. Two of the most transformative lessons I learned from Kamal was the art of managing a demanding workload and the power of networking. As an arbitration lawyer, juggling multiple cases, tight deadlines, and the demands of complex cross-border disputes can be overwhelming. His guidance in structuring my workflow, prioritising key tasks, and staying organised in high-pressure environments was invaluable. This experience allowed me to manage multiple complex cases without losing sight of the finer details.
Equally valuable was Kamal’s insight into the power of networking. He not only introduced me to lawyers within his team but also connected me with key contacts across various jurisdictions. These introductions expanded my network, giving me access to a diverse pool of arbitration professionals and exposing me to different legal systems and cultures. Around the same time of the AYA Mentoring Programme, I completed the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) membership assessment, becoming a member of this prestigious institution.
In 2022, I was honoured to be appointed as one of the Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) Regional Representatives for Africa, a two-year term in which I coordinated Young ICCA’s activities across the continent. I was also selected by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) as a Hold the Door Open Scholar, an initiative designed to give young arbitration practitioners invaluable opportunities to observe arbitration hearings, both virtually and in person. This period was transformative as it allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals and gain critical insights into the arbitration process. Working with mentors and clients from diverse legal cultures and traditions, provided me with unique insights into the adaptability of arbitration across jurisdictions. Through this exposure, I began to appreciate the potential for arbitration to serve as a bridge between African legal traditions and international best practices. This vision has greatly influenced my aspiration to contribute to the growth of arbitration in Africa, with a focus on making it a more accessible and effective dispute-resolution mechanism across the continent.
Building Bridges
In September 2022, I embarked on my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business Law at the University of Law in London. I also joined Howard Kennedy’s Commercial Dispute Resolution (CDR) team in London, where I had the opportunity to work closely with Duncan Bagshaw, Partner and Head of Arbitration at the firm. Being in London, a global hub for arbitration exposed me to diverse strategies for handling complex, cross-border disputes. I was particularly impressed by the meticulous nature of document production and disclosure, as well as the strong judicial support for arbitration, including the enforcement of awards and grant of interim measures. This experience broadened my perspective on the procedural rigour and collaboration required in international arbitration, and I felt confident that I could apply these insights to enhance my own practice moving forward.
Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to present papers at renowned organisations like the CIArb Young Members Group (YMG) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), and various universities. Balancing these responsibilities within tight schedules was challenging, yet these engagements enabled me to make meaningful contributions to the field of arbitration while expanding my knowledge. As I became more involved in international forums, I noticed significant gaps in discussions, particularly regarding issues impacting African jurisdictions. A recent example is the high-profile $11 billion arbitration award in the P&ID v. Ministry of Petroleum of Nigeria. I recognised the importance of a Nigerian perspective in these conversations, as most commentary came from outsiders. This motivated me to write articles, participate in interviews, and speaking engagements focusing on this case and other similar matters affecting emerging markets.
Paying it Forward
In September 2024, all the hard work culminated in a defining moment: I was awarded the Young Arbitration Practitioner of the Year at the Africa Arbitration Awards in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This prestigious recognition, which celebrates outstanding contributions to arbitration by a practitioner under the age of 40, has made every challenge and sleepless night worthwhile. However, this achievement is not just a personal milestone, it represents my commitment to advancing the field of arbitration in Africa. My vision for the continent is one where arbitration stands as a premier method of dispute resolution, promoting efficiency and fairness in every sector. Through initiatives like ADR Discourse, which I founded, and by mentoring moot teams, I strive to build capacity and create a robust pipeline of African arbitration talent. ADR Discourse serves as a platform for dialogue, training, and knowledge-sharing among practitioners, scholars, and students, bridging the gap between theory and practice while addressing unique African challenges. Additionally, mentoring moot teams allows me to support aspiring arbitration practitioners, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel. These efforts aim to ensure that African voices are influential in leading and shaping cross-border dispute resolution.
Conclusion
Today, as an Associate at ALN Nigeria| Aluko & Oyebode, I often find myself seeing that young law student who first caught the arbitration bug in the eyes of others. Every time I coach a moot court team or speak to young practitioners through ADR Discourse, their enthusiasm mirrors my own early passion, reminding me of where it all began. The award sitting on my desk isn’t just a recognition of personal achievement – it represents every challenge overcome, every late night of study, and every moment of uncertainty pushed aside.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that success in arbitration isn’t simply about knowledge – it’s about persistence through the inevitable challenges along the way. The path ahead may be filled with hurdles—financial, professional, or personal—but passion and determination make the difference. As I look ahead, my greatest responsibility isn’t just to build my practice, but to hold the door open for others, just as my mentors once did for me, ensuring that the next generation of arbitration practitioners has the support they need to succeed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Toheeb Amuda is an Associate at ALN Nigeria| Aluko & Oyebode. He is a qualified lawyer with cognate experience in international arbitration and commercial litigation. His legal practice has seen him involved in a wide array of commercial and investment arbitrations under the rules of ICSID, LCIA, ICC, DIAC, AAA/ICDR, RCICAL, and as both counsel and tribunal secretary. Additionally, he has represented clients in litigation before Nigeria’s superior courts. He has also assisted in litigation in the courts of England and Wales. Toheeb frequently coaches mooting teams in arbitration-focused competitions such as the Vis Moot. He is also an Executive Committee member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration – Young Arbitrators Network (LCA-YAN). He is the founder of ADR Discourse, an organisation dedicated to educating participants on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including arbitration and mediation.
*The views and opinions expressed by authors are theirs and do not necessarily reflect those of their organizations, employers, or Daily Jus, Jus Mundi, or Jus Connect.
