As artificial intelligence reshapes legal practice and environmental challenges demand new approaches to governance, the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria is opening another opportunity for lawyers and professionals to acquire specialised knowledge, strengthen their credentials and position themselves for emerging opportunities.
What does the future hold for lawyers in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, climate change, renewable energy and the growing demand for environmental accountability?
For legal practitioners seeking to remain relevant in a rapidly changing professional landscape, the answer may lie in acquiring new skills, expanding their areas of specialisation and understanding the emerging legal frameworks governing these developments.
It is against this background that the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN) has announced its 6th Hybrid Training and Certification Workshop, scheduled for 29 and 30 October 2026, with opportunities for both physical and virtual participation.
The workshop, which promises to bring together legal practitioners, academics, environmental experts, policymakers and professionals from related disciplines, will examine some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of law, technology, energy and sustainable development.
With the theme, Blue and Green Economy, Artificial Intelligence and the Emerging Law,” the programme offers participants an opportunity to deepen their professional knowledge while pursuing recognised membership and fellowship designations within the Association’s Green Advocates framework.
A Timely Conversation on Law, Technology and the Environment
The legal profession is witnessing significant changes. Artificial intelligence is influencing legal research, judicial processes and the management of evidence, while climate change and energy transition policies continue to generate new regulatory and commercial questions.
For Nigeria, these developments are particularly important.
From flooding and environmental degradation to gas flaring, offshore energy development and the regulation of emerging technologies, the country faces challenges that require informed legal intervention and effective institutional responses.
The AELN workshop seeks to provide a platform for examining these issues through expert-led discussions, professional training and practical engagement.
Participants will explore how lawyers can contribute meaningfully to environmental protection, sustainable economic development, responsible technological innovation and improved regulatory compliance.
Distinguished Experts to Examine Critical National Issues
The two-day workshop will feature presentations on nine areas of contemporary legal and environmental concern.
Among the subjects scheduled for discussion is the sustainability of Nigeria’s internal and external water transportation framework in the face of climate change and disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Professor Collins Wizor, Director of the Logistic Center, University of Port Harcourt, is listed to address this subject.
The programme will also examine the prospects of offshore renewable energy in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, with Professor Theodore Okonkwo, Dean of Law at Novena University, scheduled to lead the discussion.
Another important session will focus on flooding in Nigeria, particularly the need to move from warning forecasts to early preventive action. Associate Professor Ngozi Ole, Dean of Law, is listed among the speakers.
Other subjects include the optimisation and commercialisation of compressed natural gas development, gas leakage and gas flaring in the petroleum industry, and the legal and security implications of host-community relations and private pipelines under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The workshop will equally address artificial intelligence in the courtroom, including its implications for the generation and admissibility of evidence.
Dr. Dasaki Thompson and Goodnews O. Jaja are listed to contribute to discussions on artificial intelligence, legal practice and emerging technological developments.
Environmental governance, climate action and reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector will also receive attention, with contributions expected from *Professor Sunday Bontur Lugard of the University of Jos and Professor Sam Amadi, former Director-General of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
These discussions are expected to provide valuable perspectives on the responsibilities of legal practitioners in navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments.
Professional Certification and Career Development Opportunities
Beyond the technical discussions, the workshop provides an opportunity for participants to pursue professional designations under the Green Advocates of Nigeria certification framework.
The Association has announced four categories:
- Associate, Green Advocates of Nigeria (AGAN)
- Member, Green Advocates of Nigeria (MGAN)
- Chartered, Green Advocates of Nigeria (CGAN)
- Fellow, Green Advocates of Nigeria (FGAN)
According to the organisers, the categories accommodate different levels of professional experience, qualifications and membership status.
The Associate category is open to legal practitioners, chief executives, magistrates, customary court officials, PhD researchers and corporate counsel.
The Member category extends to associate members, lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, national and state legislators, and PhD scholars.
The Chartered category is designed for eligible membership certificate holders and legal professionals, while the Fellowship category is intended for qualified chartered certificate holders and other eligible senior professionals.
The Association further specifies minimum training module requirements for each certification level, ranging from one module for Associates to four modules for Fellows.
Prospective participants are encouraged to confirm their eligibility and applicable certification requirements before registration.
Registration Fees and Participation
The organisers have announced the following registration fees:
Certification category:
- Associate (AGAN) ₦50,000
- Member (MGAN) ₦100,000
- Chartered (CGAN) ₦200,000
- Fellow (FGAN) ₦300,000
The workshop will take place on Thursday, 29 October, and Friday, 30 October 2026, through physical and virtual participation.
Interested participants may contact the Association for registration details, venue confirmation and further guidance on the certification process.
Registration account details:
- Bank: GTBank
- Account Name: Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria (AELN)
- Account Number: 0592398575
Enquiries:
- +234 814 331 0952
- +234 706 603 2923
- 0807 920 8893
Email: info@environmentallawyersng.org
Prospective participants should independently confirm payment instructions with the organisers before making any transfer.
Why This Workshop Matters to the Legal Profession
For lawyers considering new areas of specialisation, environmental law presents opportunities that extend beyond traditional litigation.
Legal expertise is increasingly relevant to renewable energy projects, climate-related disputes, environmental impact assessments, corporate sustainability, regulatory compliance, maritime activities and the governance of artificial intelligence.
These developments create a growing need for practitioners who understand both the legal principles and the practical realities of environmental and technological change.
The AELN workshop therefore represents more than an opportunity to attend another professional event. It provides a platform for lawyers and other qualified professionals to explore areas of practice that may become increasingly significant in the years ahead.
For young lawyers, it offers exposure to emerging disciplines. For experienced practitioners, it presents an opportunity to broaden professional competence and engage with contemporary legal questions.
As Nigeria continues to confront environmental challenges while pursuing economic diversification and technological advancement, the importance of informed legal professionals cannot be overstated.
Through its sixth training and certification workshop, the Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria is inviting professionals to participate in conversations that could help shape the future of environmental law and sustainable development.
For lawyers who believe that professional relevance depends on continuous learning, the question is no longer whether the legal profession is changing, but how prepared they are to change with it.
LegalLinkz reports that the workshop is scheduled for 29–30 October 2026. Programme details, certification categories and registration information are based on the organisers’ published announcement.
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