Arbitration: The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management
Volume 88, Issue 4 (2022) pp. 545 – 565

https://doi.org/10.54648/amdm2022032

Abstract

Nigerian Courts have held in several cases that tax disputes are not arbitrable. This article examines whether: (1) the cases are correct in light of applicable tax instruments and emerging trends on arbitrability; (2) the decisions foreclose the arbitrability of all tax disputes in Nigeria; and (3) foreign awards, whose underpinning disputes are tax claims, are no longer enforceable in Nigeria, in view of the decisions. The importance of the foregoing questions cannot be overstated, particularly to foreign investors and Nigeria’s trade partners. With the aid of primary and secondary sources and comparator analysis, this article argues that the decisions were reached per incuriam. It also observes that whilst the decisions remain valid until set aside, the decisions neither foreclose (1) the arbitrability of tax disputes arising from certain domestic and international instruments; nor (2) the recognition and enforcement of foreign awards in at least three identified situations.

Extract

To read more, you can buy this article.