The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered parties involved in a dispute over the use of the name “Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit” to maintain the status quo, effectively halting preparations for an event being organised under the disputed name.
The interim restraining order followed a suit filed by the founder of the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over alleged trademark infringement involving the use of the summit’s name.
Nwiya had approached the court, alleging that the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce was planning to organise an event using a name he claimed was protected by trademark registration.
He argued that the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit had, over the years, developed into a recognised platform for economic dialogue, investment promotion and regional development.
According to him, significant resources, advocacy and sustained engagement had been invested in building the platform and its goodwill across the Niger Delta.
He expressed concern that allowing another organisation to hold an event under the same name could cause confusion among stakeholders and undermine the reputation and goodwill associated with the platform.
In their application, Nwiya and his legal team argued that allowing the proposed event to proceed while the dispute was pending could create a “fait accompli”, prompting the need for judicial intervention.
Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, who presided over the matter, subsequently directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the trademark dispute.
The order also comes against the backdrop of an existing suit and injunction concerning the same dispute, which originated from a court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
While addressing the matter, Justice Egwuatu directed the parties to respect the authority of the court and channel any grievances through the appropriate legal process.
Reacting to the development, Nwiya described the interim order as an important step towards protecting the integrity of the platform, which he said had been built over several years through commitment to the economic development of the Niger Delta.
The NDEIS founder commended the judiciary, describing it as a critical institution for protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that disputes are resolved through due process.
He also expressed concern over what he described as attempts to appropriate the identity and goodwill associated with NDEIS, saying such developments could undermine investor confidence in the region.
Nwiya maintained that investors needed a stable, transparent and credible environment to operate and urged stakeholders to allow the judicial process to determine the issues in dispute.
He appealed to organisations that may have planned to commit resources to the proposed summit to exercise caution until the legal dispute is resolved.
“We need investment in the region. We need to create jobs and provide our young people with meaningful opportunities for livelihood. This can only be achieved through a transparent, credible and due process that commands the confidence of all stakeholders,” he said.
He also urged the Niger Delta governors, Access Bank and the Niger Delta Development Commission to take note of the subsisting court processes and ensure that their actions remain consistent with the authority of the courts.
NDEIS said it remained committed to promoting economic development, investment opportunities and constructive dialogue across the Niger Delta.
The organisation added that its immediate priority was to protect the integrity of the platform while allowing the courts to determine the substantive issues surrounding the dispute.
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