The Impact of International Law on Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: A Critical Examination

This study critically examines the impact of international law on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria, with particular focus on how international legal norms, treaties, and dispute settlement mechanisms have shaped the country’s investment landscape. It explores the incorporation of international standards into domestic law through instruments such as Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Convention, and the New York Convention. In the same vein, the paper adopted the doctrinal method of research writing, which, thus analyzes Interalia laws, statutes, Treaties and Agreements including other scholarly works. The paper further analyzes Nigeria’s legal reforms such as the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act, the Arbitration and Mediation Act of 2023, and the 2016 Model BIT which reflect growing alignment with global best practices. While these frameworks enhance investor protection and promote legal certainty, the paper also highlights persistent challenges including policy inconsistency, enforcement deficiencies, and investor-state disputes. Ultimately, the paper affirms that international law has played a crucial role in facilitating FDI in Nigeria, but its long-term effectiveness will depend on deliberate domestic implementation and policy coherence. Key recommendations include updating outdated laws, strengthening institutional capacity, and negotiating more equitable treaties were respectively suggested. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that protects investor rights while preserving Nigeria’s sovereign right to regulate the public interest