How To Join
Membership
Membership is open to all legal practitioners, law teachers and policy advocates who practice, teach or research in the field of immigration law and other person(s) who have or share the vision of the Association.
NILA Membership Pathways
NILA operates a structured membership framework comprising various Membership Pathways designed to accommodate legal practitioners, law teachers and policy advocates at different stages of their professional development and practice. Each Membership Pathway consists of three (3) distinct membership categories, each with its own eligibility requirements and progression criteria.
Membership applications are opened in phases, with each Membership Pathway being launched within its designated application cycle. Details of application periods, programme schedules, commencement dates, and other relevant announcements will be published in a timely manner through NILA’s official communication channels.
Outlined below are the available Membership Pathways, their respective eligibility requirements, and the corresponding application forms.
General Accreditation & Certification
Members
Applicants must be legal practitioners or professionals in recognized allied sectors who are interested in the practice of Immigration Law and Policy. Must show evidence of between 10 to 20 year’s cognate experience in the relevant fields, be referenced by at least 2 persons and adjudged as fit and proper by the BOT.
Fellowship
Applicants must be seasoned legal practitioners or professionals in recognized allied sectors who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. Must show evidence of over 20 year’s’ experience in the relevant fields, be referenced by at least 2 persons and adjudged as fit and proper by the BOT.
Associates
Applicants must be legal practitioners or other professionals in recognized allied sectors with cognate experience of less than 10 year’s, be referenced by at least 2 persons and adjudged as fit and proper by the BOT
The NILA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Webinar Series is a structured professional learning pathway designed to advance knowledge, strengthen professional competence, and promote excellence in immigration law and practice. The Series is offered free of charge and is open to both members and non-members, providing participants with regular opportunities to engage with current developments, emerging issues, and best practices within the profession. Participation serves as an avenue for continued professional engagement with the Association.
The CPD Webinar Series also serves as one of NILA’s recognized membership pathways. While participation in the webinars does not, of itself, confer membership or guarantee admission into any membership category, eligible participants are invited to apply for membership upon completion of the Series. Membership is subject to the prescribed application fee, satisfaction of the eligibility requirements for the applicable membership category, submission of the required supporting documentation, and successful completion of the Association’s membership assessment and evaluation process.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Webinar Series
NILA may, from time to time, introduce Alternative and Special Membership through strategic partnerships and approved programmes that support professional development and membership advancement.
These initiatives may include transfer or exchange programmes, pecialized training, certification courses, research projects, scholarships, grants, fellowships, mentorship schemes, internships, secondments, study visits, professional immersion programmes, leadership development initiatives, and other collaborative opportunities.
Such programmes may be designed for specific membership categories and offered at varying times, durations and levels, depending on the objectives of the programme, the terms of the partnership, participant eligibility, and the requirements of the sponsoring institution or organization.
While some programmes may be fully or partially funded by sponsors or partner organizations, successful applicants admitted into NILA membership through any such scheme shall be required to pay the applicable membership induction and registration fees.
Alternative and Special Membership are not permanent annual programmes and are not guaranteed to be offered each year. They will be introduced only where approved by the Association and implemented in collaboration with partner institutions, sponsors, or other relevant organizations under mutually agreed terms and conditions.
Alternative and Special Membership
Student Member
The Student Member category is open to law students and students enrolled in recognised allied disciplines with an interest in immigration law, policy and practice. Applicants must provide two (2) references comprising one (1) academic referee and one (1) professional referee and must be found to be fit and proper for admission by the Board of Trustees.
Applicants who are still pursuing their university degree at the time their membership application is approved shall be admitted as Student Members and awarded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points in recognition of their participation in the Association’s professional development activities.
Upon successful completion of their university studies, attendance at the Nigerian Law School, and call to the Nigerian Bar, such members may apply for direct upgrade to the Associate Member category, subject to satisfying the prescribed requirements.
Applicants who have successfully completed the Nigerian Law School programme and are qualified for call to the Nigerian Bar at the time their membership application is approved shall be admitted directly into the Associate Member category, where they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
Student Members seeking an upgrade to Associate Membership shall also be required to complete the prescribed assessment and evaluation process, in addition to any CPD points previously awarded, before their upgrade is approved.
Course Fee For Accreditation & Certification Trainings:
Fellowship:
In Person – N500k
Virtual- N400k
Membership:
In Person – N200k
Virtual – N150k
Associate Membership:
In Person- N150k
Virtual- N100k
Student Membership:
In Person- N50k
Virtual- N25k
For Payment:
Bank: GTB PLC
Account No: 0692839707
Account Name: Immigration Law Practitioners Association of Nigeria