Reporters Star Rays
By Moses Agbe – NASS, Abuja
In a significant recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, Professor Sebastine Hon, SAN, has been inducted as a Foundation Fellow of the Institute of Competition and Antitrust Practitioners (ICAP), bringing his wealth of legal experience to a professional platform dedicated to strengthening fair competition and sound market practices in Nigeria.
The induction took place on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling and induction of ICAP Foundation Fellows, an event organised by the institute in collaboration with the Antitrust and Trade Laws Practitioners Association (ATLPA).
The gathering brought together legal practitioners, competition-law experts and other stakeholders, marking another milestone in the evolution of competition, antitrust and trade-law practice in the country.
For Hon, the honour is not merely a feather in the cap but also a fresh call to service.
Speaking shortly after his induction, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to deploy his experience and expertise towards advancing the objectives of ICAP and promoting the wider interests of society.
“I am very happy for this honour bestowed on me. I will continue to do my best for humanity,” he said.
Championing a Level Playing Field
At the heart of Hon’s remarks was the need to create a business environment where competition is based on merit and smaller enterprises are not pushed to the sidelines by dominant market players.
He observed that the establishment of ICAP could help strengthen the culture of fair competition in Nigeria while providing greater protection for smaller businesses seeking to establish themselves and grow in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
In his view, an effective competition regime is essential to keeping the playing field level, encouraging innovation and ensuring that businesses have a fair opportunity to participate in economic activity.
“With this institution, it will protect smaller businesses and enhance competition. It will also discourage absolute monopoly,” Hon said.
His remarks point to a broader reality: where competition is allowed to thrive, businesses are compelled to raise their game, improve their services and respond more effectively to the needs of consumers.
A Fresh Commitment to Professional Ideals
Beyond the prestige associated with becoming a Foundation Fellow, Hon sees his induction as an opportunity to roll up his sleeves and contribute meaningfully to the development of competition and antitrust practice in Nigeria.
He pledged to uphold the ideals of the institute and support its efforts to promote a robust professional and regulatory framework for competition and trade.
“Now that I am inducted as a fellow of this standing institute, I will do my best to stand and protect its aspirations and ideals,” he said.
The commitment comes at a time when questions surrounding market dominance, monopolistic practices, consumer interests and the survival of smaller enterprises remain important considerations in Nigeria’s evolving business environment.
Strengthening the Legal Architecture
The emergence of ICAP also underscores the growing importance of specialised professional institutions in shaping the legal architecture surrounding competition and trade in Nigeria.
For practitioners and stakeholders, the institute provides a platform for deeper professional engagement, knowledge development and advocacy around competition and antitrust issues.
Hon’s induction therefore goes beyond personal recognition. It adds an experienced legal voice to a professional community seeking to promote transparent market practices, protect legitimate business interests and contribute to a healthier economic environment.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. For competition to deliver its full benefits, businesses—large and small—must have room to compete, innovate and grow.
With his induction into the fold, Professor Sebastine Hon, SAN, has signalled his readiness to lend his voice and experience to that cause, pledging to stand by the principles upon which the institute was established and to contribute his quota to the advancement of fair competition in Nigeria.
Starrays
