The UK Supreme Court has set aside AIC Ltd’s arbitration enforcement order against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria pending the results of an ongoing legal challenge in Nigeria.
In the case of AIC Ltd v. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Supreme Court revoked the enforcement order previously denied by the High Court and subsequently granted by the Court of Appeal in favour of AIC and directed that AIC’s application for leave to enforce the award be adjourned to await the outcome of proceedings in Nigeria.
The Squire Patton Boggs team representing FAAN is led by partner Timi Balogun.
“We are very pleased to see that the UK Supreme Court has vindicated the position of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and set aside the enforcement order pending outcome of proceedings in Nigeria,” said Balogun. “The Supreme Court decision also clarified the process and principles that will govern the exercise of discretion by a judge to reconsider a judgment at the end of a trial and to orders made, but not yet sealed, on appeal. The decision is significant as one that will be generally applicable in civil proceedings at all levels, including interim and case management hearings and final orders. At bottom, the decision represents a significant win for FAAN and for Nigeria, forcing AIC to await the results of the Nigerian proceedings.”