**N38.8bn Judgment: Appeal Court Throws Out Big Claim Against CBN** In a major development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's financial circles, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a N38.8 billion judgment against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a long-standing dispute over consultancy fees related to the Paris Club Refund. **The Paris Club Refund Saga** For those who may not be aware, the Paris Club Refund is a contentious issue that dates back to the early 2000s when the Nigerian government negotiated with the Paris Club, a group of creditor countries, to settle part of the country's external debt. The deal involved a refund of billions of naira to the Nigerian government. However, not everyone was satisfied with the way the refund was handled, and several individuals and companies claimed they were owed consultancy fees for their role in the negotiations. **A Gi's Big Claim** One of such individuals was Mr. Joe Agi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who claimed he was owed N38.8 billion in consultancy fees for his services in facilitating the Paris Club Refund. A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ruled in his favour, ordering the CBN to pay him the massive sum. However, the CBN was not pleased with the judgment and took the matter to the Court of Appeal. **Appeal Court's Ruling** In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal has quashed the N38.8 billion judgment against the CBN, effectively ending Mr. Agi's big claim. The court's decision is set to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria's financial sector, particularly in the area of dispute resolution. The ruling is also seen as a major boost for the CBN, which had been facing a potential financial burden of N38.8 billion. **What's Next?** While the Appeal Court's ruling may bring some relief to the CBN, the dispute over consultancy fees related to the Paris Club Refund is far from over. Several other individuals and companies are still pursuing their own claims, and it remains to be seen how the courts will rule in their favour. Nevertheless, the Appeal Court's decision is a significant development that highlights the importance of robust dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria's financial sector. In conclusion, the Appeal Court's ruling has brought an end to one chapter in the Paris Club Refund saga, but the story is far from over. As Nigeria continues