Olisa Agbakoba

**Olisa Agbakoba: Nigerian Legal Authority, Human Rights Advocate, and Public Policy Expert** Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (OON, SAN) is a highly influential Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, public policy expert, and arbitrator. He is widely recognized as a leading authority in Constitutional Law, Maritime Law, Human Rights Law, and Legal Policy, playing a significant role in Nigeria's civil society and legal reform efforts. **Early Life and Education** Olisa Agbakoba was born on May 29, 1953, in Jos, Nigeria. His parents were Chief Justice Godfrey Ubaka Agbakoba and Mrs. Phina Agbakoba. He is a Nigerian citizen. Agbakoba pursued his higher education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later attended the Nigerian Law School, graduating as a lawyer. He also holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Leadership, Social, and Community Development. **Professional Career and Major Achievements** Agbakoba began his professional career and quickly established himself as a formidable figure in the legal sector. He is the Senior Partner at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL), where he also serves as the head of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Arbitration practice group. He holds the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), equivalent to King’s Counsel. A significant part of his career has been dedicated to human rights and civil society work. He is the Senior Counsel at the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS), a non-profit organization focused on human rights, good governance, and development. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Friends of the Earth Nigeria. His commitment to justice earned him international recognition: he was honored with the Roger Baldwin Medal for Civil Liberties in 1990, the Human Rights Award of the German Association of Judges in 1993, and the Aachen Peace Award in 1996. **Arbitration Practice and Public Sector Advisory** In addition to his litigation and human rights work, Agbakoba is a noted arbitrator. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mediators & Conciliators of Nigeria (FCIARB). In 2020, he was appointed Chair of the National Arbitration Policy Committee by the Attorney General of the Federation to provide strategic policy recommendations, resulting in the creation of a National Arbitration Policy and Arbitration Practice Direction. He is also a long-standing member of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and a recognized figure in the shipping industry. In 2022, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the OMIS Maritime & Offshore Award. **Current Status** Olisa Agbakoba continues his work as the Senior Partner at OAL and remains an active public policy expert and advocate. On August 26, 2024, he was honored with the Bar Presidential Award by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. He is married to Lilian Agbakoba, who is also a lawyer, and they have three daughters and six grandchildren, residing in Lagos, Nigeria.