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Welcome to the NICArb platform community created for our 2024 Hybrid Annual Conference, themed: "Transformation and Interventions: The Evolving Trends in Arbitration and ADR Practice in Afr...
Welcome to the NICArb platform community created for our 2024 Hybrid Annual Conference, themed: "Transformation and Interventions: The Evolving Trends in Arbitration and ADR Practice in Africa."
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President and Chairman at African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank)
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Chief Justice of Kenya
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Principal Partner at Babalakin & Co
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Independent Arbitrator and Litigation Consultant
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Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria
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Professor of law, at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Law
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President/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb)
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Founding and Managing Partner at Dorothy Ufot & Co
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Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG)
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Professor of International Commercial Law at SOAS University of London
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Deputy Managing Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP
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Managing Partner at Fortress Solicitors
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Barrister & Partner at Leigh Day Solicitors, London, United Kingdom
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Managing Partner at GENI & KEBE Lawyers
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Head, UN Working Group on Business & Human Rights. President of the International Law Association Nigeria
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Partner at A&O Shearman’s International Arbitration Group
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Managing Director at Barec & Bareb Vision Nigeria Ltd
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Experienced Dispute Resolution Lawyer at Stevenson, Wong & Co
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Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser at Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
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Founder of BITHO LAW
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Senior Partner at Mitullah, Shako, and Associates Advocates
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Principal Partner at Daysman Solicitors
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President at Nigeria Computer Society
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Principal Partner at Vantage Attorneys LP
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Professor of Conflict Resolution at Bakke Graduate University
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Legal Adviser/Company Secretary at Lotus Bank
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National Coordinator, at Young Arbitrators Network Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators
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Lead Consultant at Speyside Group
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Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah is the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank). Prior to this role, he served as the Executive Vice President in charge of Business Development and Corporate Banking. He also led the Research and Knowledge Management department and played a key role in Strategic Planning and International Cooperation.
A thought leader in African trade and finance, Prof. Oramah is a published author and frequent speaker at global trade finance conferences. He is also Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of the International Factors Group (IFG), serves on the Board of the IFG, and is a member of the Consultative Board on World Cocoa Economy of the International Cocoa Organization.
Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH, became the first female Chief Justice of Kenya on May 21, 2021, marking a historic milestone in the country’s judiciary. She is the 15th Chief Justice and the 3rd President of the Supreme Court of Kenya. Prior to this, Justice Koome had an extensive judicial career, including serving as a Judge of Appeal and overseeing the Criminal Division. Her contributions include developing Court of Appeal Practice Directions and standardizing the Court’s registry operations.
Before her judicial career, she practiced law for 15 years, specializing in conveyancing, commercial law, and family law. Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate for women’s and children's rights. She served as Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) and was a member of the African Union’s Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
Notably, Justice Koome played a significant role in Kenya’s constitutional reform process and the review of the Children’s Act. Her efforts earned her recognition from the United Nations as a defender of human and children's rights, with a runner-up nomination for UN Person of the Year in 2020.
Additionally, Justice Koome has held key leadership roles in various legal associations, including the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association and the East African Law Society. She holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi, a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and an LLM from the University of London.
Dr. Wale Babalakin, OFR, SAN is the Principal Partner at Babalakin & Co. A distinguished legal practitioner, he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2002, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the legal profession. In February 2008, he was honoured with the national title of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) for his outstanding service to the nation.
In 2007, Dr. Babalakin was appointed Honourary Special Adviser on Legal Matters and General Counsel to the late President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. His legal expertise and insights were instrumental in guiding national legal policies during this period.
Dr. Babalakin is a Member of the Body of Benchers, the apex regulatory body overseeing the affairs of legal practitioners in Nigeria. His contributions to the legal community have earned him high regard as a sought-after speaker, both nationally and internationally. He has delivered numerous papers on critical legal issues at conferences, seminars, and workshops, enriching the discourse in the legal profession with his knowledge and experience.
Funke Adekoya, SAN, is an independent arbitrator and litigation consultant at Funke Adekoya Arbitration Practice, where her focus lies on energy, construction, and commercial disputes arising from joint ventures and commercial contracts.
Previously, she served as Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group at ǼLEX, a prominent commercial law firm operating in Lagos, Nigeria, and Accra, Ghana, until her retirement in February 2022. During her tenure at ǼLEX, she led the counsel team representing clients in high-value arbitration disputes and was frequently appointed as a co-arbitrator, sole arbitrator, or chair in complex cases under the rules of major arbitral institutions.
She continues to hold panel appointments with various esteemed arbitration institutions, including the Kigali International Arbitration Centre, CIETAC, the Beijing International Arbitration Centre, the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and ICSID, among many others.
Hon. Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji, born on January 30th, 1965, in Lagos State, has had an illustrious legal career that spans decades of dedicated service and legal expertise. He holds an LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University (1985), a B.L from the Nigerian Law School (1986), and an LL.M from the University of Lagos (1990).
Justice Faji began his legal career during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a Pupil Counsel at Aliyu & Co Legal Practitioners, Adamawa State, in 1986. He subsequently gained diverse experience in legal practice, serving in various prominent law firms, including Olumuyiwa Law Associates, Wole Olufon & Co, and Olajide Oyewole & Co. His expertise in legal consultancy and company secretarial services further deepened his professional acumen, culminating in his work with Jimi Oduba, S.A.N, where he served as Assisting Counsel to the Principal Counsel and Head of Chambers.
Justice Faji's background demonstrates a strong foundation in litigation, corporate law, and legal consultancy, leading to his esteemed position on the Federal High Court bench.
He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya; Professor of law, at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Law; Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) He served as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Regional Trustee for Africa from 2019 to 2022.
He has on various occasions been appointed by leading arbitral institutions including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb-Kenya), the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) among other institutions, as both as a sole arbitrator and a member of arbitral tribunals in arbitrations involving commercial disputes.
He became the first winner of the Inaugural CIArb (Kenya Branch) ADR Lifetime Achievement Award 2021. He was also the winner of the ADR Practitioner of the Year Award 2021 given by the Nairobi LSK and the ADR Publisher of the Year 2021 awarded by CIArb Kenya. He is rated by Chambers and Partners as one of the best dispute resolvers in the country. He has published in the areas of ADR and Access to Justice, Environment, and Natural Resources.
Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, FCArb is the President/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb). He is also a Professor of Corporate Governance at Lagos Business School. An alumnus of both Said Business School at Oxford University and Lagos Business School, he holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Aberdeen, an MBA from IESE Business School, University of Navarra, and Law degrees from the University of Nigeria and the University of Lagos.
Professor Ajogwu is the Founder of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators. He is also associated with several prestigious organizations, including the African Leadership Initiative West Africa, Henry Crown Global Leadership of the Aspen Institute, the AIFA Reading Society, the Society for Art Collection, the Oxford Philosophical Society, the Royal Institute of Philosophy London, and the Royal African Society, UK. Currently, he serves as the President of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators.
His service includes positions on the Governing Council of the Pan-Atlantic University, the General Council of the Bar, and the Council of Legal Education (Nigerian Law School) as the statutorily designated Distinguished Legal Author. He is a member of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and the London Court of International Arbitration.
Professor Ajogwu has acted as Lead Counsel to governments and corporations in several high-profile cases, particularly in the areas of energy, telecommunications, finance, and policy. He has authored numerous influential books, including "The Law & Practice of Private Equity," "Ship Acquisition & Finance: Law & Practice," "Corporate Governance & Group Dynamics," "Corporate Governance in Nigeria: Law and Practice," "Commercial Arbitration in Nigeria: Law and Practice," "Fair Hearing," "Mergers & Acquisition in Nigeria: Law and Practice," "Law & Society," and "Decoupling Ownership from Management of Companies." Additionally, he has co-authored several books, such as "Outcomes-Based Governance: Modern Perspectives to Corporate Governance" with Professor Mervyn King SC, "Petroleum Law and Sustainable Development" with Dr. Oscar Nliam, "Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Commerce," "Trade & Investments in Nigeria: Legal & Regulatory Aspects," "Oral and Written Advocacy: Law & Practice" with Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, and "Collecting Art: A Handbook" with Dr. Jess Castellote.
Professor Ajogwu’s law practice areas include Corporate Governance, Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Communications Technology, Financial Services and Maritime.
Prof. Dorothy Ufot, SAN is a Visiting Professor of International Arbitration at Baze University Abuja, Nigeria and the Founder and Managing Partner of Dorothy Ufot & Co, a leading Law Firm in Nigeria since 1994.
Dorothy is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Chartered Arbitrator.
She is a former member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (2006-2018) and a member of the Arbitration Court of CIMAC in Casablanca. She is a member of the Council of the ICC Institute of World Business Law and is currently the Chairman of the ICC Nigeria Arbitration and ADR Commission.
A former Vice-chair of the Arbitration Committee of the IBA, Dorothy regularly sits as an arbitrator in complex, high volume international commercial arbitrations and international investment arbitrations before ICSID, LCIA, ICC, SCC, DIAC, LRCICA and Ad Hoc Cases.
Dorothy is on the panel of Arbitrators of AAA/ICDR, ICSID, KCAB International, HKIAC, DIAC, SIAC, AIAC, BAC/BIAC, EDAC, LRCICA, SCIA and arbitrate AD.
She was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2009.
Dorothy won the prestigious award of African Arbitrator of the year 2020, which election took place in Nairobi Kenya on 28th August, 2020.
She is recommended by GAR’s Who’s Who Legal as one of the world’s leading experts in International Arbitration (2009-2023).
Professor Abiola Sanni is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG). He is a thoroughbred professional with a robust multi-disciplinary background who has served in different capacities at the national and state levels. He is a member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy Tax Reform Committee (2023 till date), served as the Chairman of the National Tax Policy Review Committee (NTPRC) in 2016, and Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC) in 2017. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, and a life member of the Nigerian Society of International Law. He is the editor of Introduction to Nigerian Legal Methods, a leading introductory legal text in Nigerian Universities and the West African sub-region. He is the author of Introduction to Nigerian Business Law; and the founder and publisher of the Nigerian Revenue Law Reports (NRLR) and African Tax Law Reports (ATLR), the first law reports devoted to tax cases in Nigeria and Africa respectively.
Emilia Onyema is an independent arbitrator with experience as presiding, co, and sole arbitrator, and acts as legal expert witness in international arbitration. She is a Professor of International Commercial Law at SOAS University of London where she teaches and publishes on international commercial arbitration, international investment law, and commercial law in a global context. She is qualified to practice law in Nigeria, as a Solicitor in England & Wales, and she is listed on several arbitrator panels.
She convenes the SOAS Arbitration in Africa conference series, leads the SOAS Arbitration in Africa biennial survey research project, co-authored the African Promise; conceived the SOAS counsel in arbitration training project; is the Director of the SOAS Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Centre; and the founder of the Arbitration Fund for African Students (AFAS). She actively publishes and speaks on topics relevant to her research interests. Some of her publications include, International Commercial Arbitration and the Arbitrator’s Contract (Routledge, 2010); Rethinking the Role of African National Courts in Arbitration (Kluwer, 2018), and “African Participation in the ICSID System: Appointment and Disqualification of Arbitrators” She received the CPR Institute award for Outstanding Contribution to ADR in 2024. Her current research focuses on energy contracts for sustainable development.
Wolemi Esan is the Deputy Managing Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP and has been described by Chambers Global as “… a standout lawyer with a tremendous reputation in the market.”
He belongs to a select group of Nigerian lawyers proficient in both contentious and non-contentious practices.
Wolemi’s non-contentious practice has a particular emphasis on advising on various aspects of energy and infrastructure asset development, privatization, acquisition, financing, and operations. Additionally, he provides guidance on complex corporate and commercial transactions, including financing transactions and mergers and acquisitions across Nigeria’s economic spectrum. In contentious matters, Wolemi represents clients in arbitration (both domestic and international) as well as litigation in superior courts in Nigeria.
He is ranked as a leading lawyer in Nigeria by most of the leading independent legal directories, including Chambers Global, IFLR 1000, and Legal 500, and also holds the distinction of being a Jeremy Bentham Scholar of University College London.”
Godson Ugochukwu, SAN, FCIArb, is a distinguished legal practitioner with over 22 years of experience in international arbitration and mediation. He specializes in commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, corporate advisory, insolvency, medical negligence, data protection, and privacy law. Known for his insight into complex legal issues, Godson has served on multiple domestic and international arbitration panels and has represented clients in both institutional and ad hoc arbitral tribunals within and beyond Nigeria.
In 2022, Godson was honored with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in recognition of his excellence in dispute resolution, particularly in litigation. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), UK, he actively contributes to the advancement of international arbitration and ADR, frequently serving as a resource person at international conferences and forums.
Godson holds memberships in several esteemed organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) Nigeria Branch, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), the International Bar Association (IBA)—where he participates in both the Litigation and Arbitration Committees—the Swiss Chinese Law Association (SCLA), the European-Chinese Arbitration Association (ECAA), and the African Arbitration Association (AfAA).
Beyond his legal career, Godson serves on the boards of several blue-chip companies and is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Guinea Insurance Plc. He co-founded Fortress Solicitors with his wife, Ruth, where he leads the firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice.
Daniel Leader is a Barrister and Partner at Leigh Day Solicitors, within the international law department and specializes in international human rights and environmental law, with a particular focus on business and human rights. He has extensive experience in cases against parent companies, complex group actions, and mass tort claims, as well as cross-border disputes and jurisdictional issues. He is ranked by Chambers & Partners as a Global Market Leader in the field of business and human rights law. Daniel has a longstanding interest in public policy in business and human rights and was an external expert member of the UK Government Steering Board which oversees the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2014-17). Since 2018 he has been a Board Member of the Corporate Responsibility Coalition (CORE). He is a member of the Steering Committee of the comparative law project on civil liability for human rights violations at the Bonavero Institute, Oxford University, and a member of the Advisory Board of the British Institute for International and Comparative Law’s Human Rights Due Diligence Forum. He writes and speaks widely about business and human rights issues at conferences and universities in Britain and internationally.
Mouhamed Kebe is a highly regarded expert in international and investment arbitration, with significant experience handling complex disputes across sub-Saharan Africa. He is a Chartered Arbitrator with the OHADA Court of Arbitration, a member of the Arbitration Court of the ICC, and a member of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC). His deep understanding of arbitration frameworks has made him a key figure in resolving high-stakes disputes.
In addition to his arbitration work, Mouhamed advises on corporate and investment transactions, particularly in emerging markets. He has extensive experience in the infrastructure, energy, and natural resources sectors, where he has supported clients on landmark development projects. His expertise includes joint ventures, corporate restructuring, and project finance, ensuring comprehensive support for major commercial transactions.
Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators. He is the President of the International Law Association (Nigerian branch) and holds several prestigious positions, including UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar. He is also the director of the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development at Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. He has authored numerous publications on energy, environment, and human rights law, with his book "Environmental Law in Arab States" receiving the 2023 ASIL Certificate of Merit. Professor Olawuyi has advised prominent organizations like the World Bank and UN agencies, served on the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, and provides legal counsel at McNair International, Qatar. He has held key roles in the Nigerian Bar Association and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and holds degrees from Oxford, Harvard, University of Calgary, Igbinedion University, and the Nigerian Law School. He is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy, and holds leadership roles in several international law and environmental law organizations.
Guled is a Partner in A&O Shearman’s International Arbitration Group and has extensive expertise in international commercial and investment treaty arbitration and public international law. He has significant experience representing companies, governments, and international organizations as counsel and advocate in institutional and ad hoc arbitral proceedings, including arbitrations under the ICC, LCIA, ICSID, and UNCITRAL Rules.
Guled has been featured in all of the leading legal directories for several years. He is currently designated by Legal500 as a “Next Generation Partner” in both International Arbitration and Public International Law. He is recognized by clients as “a future leader in the field, standing out for his expertise in international law and international arbitration” and “an outstanding lawyer and a pleasure to work with” (Legal 500 UK, 2021 and 2022). Chambers UK recognizes Guled as “Up and Coming” for Public International Law, commenting “Guled is thoughtful, clear and strategic.
His Imperial Majesty King (Dr.) Baridam Suanu Timothy Yormaadam, affectionately known as the Duke of Ogoniland, has a distinguished professional background that encompasses significant roles in banking, corporate management, and traditional leadership.
His banking career includes positions at Zenith Bank PLC, Allstate Trust Bank, and Bank of the North (Unity Bank PLC), where he advanced to a managerial role before resigning to fulfill his ancestral duties. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director at Barec & Bareb Vision Nigeria Ltd, Executive Director of Finance at Ogoni Royal Resources and Energy Limited (OGREE LTD), and Registrar at Abbie Culinary Art Academy & Hospitality. Additionally, he is the Spokesperson for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the Chairman of the Peace & Livelihood Support Organization, a non-governmental organization focused on community support.
In the realm of traditional leadership, His Majesty holds numerous esteemed positions, including Chairman of the Bangha Council of Traditional Rulers and Elders, Nyokhana Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Khana Traditional Rulers Council. He is also a permanent member of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, and serves as Treasurer of the African Indigenes Governance Authority, among other significant roles within traditional governance bodies.
This blend of banking expertise, corporate leadership, and traditional governance underscores His Imperial Majesty's commitment to community development and social responsibility.
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Chan (陳曉彤) is an Experienced Dispute Resolution Lawyer based in Hong Kong, specializing in international commercial arbitration and both Hong Kong and cross-border litigation. She practices at Stevenson, Wong & Co., one of Hong Kong’s largest independent law firms, which is in a joint alliance with AllBright Law Offices in Mainland China. Elizabeth is qualified to practice law in Hong Kong, New York, New Zealand, and England & Wales.
A recognized thought leader at the intersection of technology and law, Elizabeth hosted the first-ever virtual reality arbitration gathering in January 2022. She is a frequent writer and speaker on technology-related legal topics, including dispute resolution in the metaverse, crypto-related valuation issues, and the role of generative AI in legal decision-making. She also contributed to drafting the pioneering Guidelines on Using AI in Arbitration for the Silicon Valley Arbitration & Mediation Center (SVAMC) (published in 2024).
Olayemi Anyanechi is is a Nigerian lawyer, writer, negotiator and public speaker and currently the Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission.
One of Nigeria’s foremost energy and finance lawyers, Olayemi has 27 years’ cognate experience advising indigenous and multinational companies as well as public bodies on diverse areas of law.
She graduated with a degree in law from the University of Ibadan as the best overall graduating student of her set and obtained a Masters’ degree in Corporate and Commercial law from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She was Chevening Scholar as well as a Pegasus Scholar of the Inner Temple, UK.
Olayemi has worked in various capacities including as Founder and Managing Partner of Sefton Fross, a leading law firm in Nigeria, Senior Partner and Head of the Banking & Finance Practice at Templars, General Counsel at Sahara Energy Group of companies, amongst others.
A woman of many parts, she has served as the Regional Representative (Africa) of the International Bar Association’s Power Law Committee, the Chairperson of the Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Re-Organizations Committee of the Section on Business Law of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Thematic Lead for Finance of The National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) amongst several other roles.
She has been internationally recognized as a Global and National Leader in Energy and Natural Resources Law by Who’s Who Legal, one of the 9 super elite Leading Individuals in banking and finance law in Nigeria by Legal 500, and a Highly Regarded Corporate, Financial and Infrastructure Lawyer by IFLR1000. She was listed as one of 20 Outstanding Woman in Business Law, for Project Finance, by BusinessDay 2020, African Women in Law Woman to Watch in Law, 2020, Listed Top 100 Leading Women in the 2021 Nigerian Women Annual, Top 20 Nigerian Female Lawyers, This Day Newspapers, and was acknowledgement at the 2023 PEBEC Awards for contribution to the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
As Founder and Managing Partner of Sefton Fross, the Firm won several notable awards and recommendations, including Business Day’s “Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs in Nigeria”; “Energy Team of the Year” and “Oil and Gas Team of the Year” by ESQ Legal Awards.
An erudite writer and speaker, Olayemi regularly contributes to international journals, books and magazines on oil and gas and banking and finance law, and recently co-authored two Chapters of the Globe Law and Business 2019 and 2023 “Encyclopedia of Upstream Oil and Gas”.
Her personal mission statement is to live a balanced life, and use her gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to build lasting legacies and cultivate the self-worth and net-worth of people around her.
Dr. BITHO is an attorney and the Founder of BITHO LAW, a law firm specializing in business law in Paris. He acts as an arbitrator or counsel in arbitration matters. Dr. BITHO has nearly two decades of experience in the United States, France, and Togo. He specializes particularly in commercial and investment arbitration, as well as in legal engineering related to business law, including cross-border infrastructure and energy projects, project financing, international investment, and OHADA business law. Dr. BITHO also assists English-speaking foreign investors navigating the complex African legal landscape, as well as African companies that wish to expand within Africa or internationally. He is the author of two theses: one from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (France) on "Protection of Trade Secrets in International Commercial Arbitration," and the other on "Piercing the Corporate Veil in LLC" from Austin Law School in Texas (USA). Dr. BITHO is also a university professor and an author.
Florence Shako is a legal academic, advocate, and consultant who undertakes research in access to justice and business and human rights issues. She graduated with a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She also received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, Kenya where she graduated at the top of her class. Florence is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the Senior Partner at Mitullah, Shako, and Associates Advocates, a boutique law firm in Nairobi, Kenya that embraces social justice values.
She is the current Vice Chairperson of Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (WADR), a professional association of women in the field of alternative dispute resolution. She is also the Kluwer Arbitration Blog Representative for the London Court of International Arbitration.
Jemimah Emaojo Adejoh is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and a private Legal Practitioner with deep passion for the promotion and adoption of Arbitration, Mediation and other ADR mechanisms in dispute resolution. She was called to the Nigeria Bar in 2017 and began her legal career with the Central Bank of Nigeria before advancing to serve as Company Secretary for Hi-Cube Global Oil and Gas Limited and Legal Advisor for African Service Incubation.
She has years of wide-ranging experience in Corporate, Company and Commercial Practice, including Insolvency Law, Information Technology(IT) Law (where she renders extensive advisory and documentation services), Arbitration, Taxation, Banking Law, Civil and Commercial Litigation and acts as Counsel to several government agencies and multinational corporations across the world.
She is currently the Principal Partner, Daysman Solicitors and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Daysman Kids Foundation. She is also a member of several professional bodies.
Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State (FUD). He received his BSc in Computer Science from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Calabar, MSc. Computer Science from Bayero University Kano and his PhD. Computer Science from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Aliyu is the Director Information Communication Technology FUD, Once Head of Cyber security Department, Department of Computer Science Postgraduate Programme Coordinator, Faculty of Computing Postgraduate Coordinator, Board Member National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Member National Council For Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He is a Charted Information Technology Professional (Citp) registered by Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, A Fellow of Nigeria Computer Society, A Member of Academia in Information Technology Professionals, A Professional Teacher registered by Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, A Member of IEEE, A Member of IEEE Computer Society, A Member of Global Internet Society, A Member of Nigeria Internet Society and A Member of Society of Digital Information and Wireless Communication. He starts his work career as a Lecturer at College of Agriculture Lafia, Nasarawa State. Apart from his lecturing job, he also set up (started) and Head there Information Technology Unit. After few years of his career at the college, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu returned back to Katsina State in 2006, where he accepted a tenure appointment at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic as a Lecturer.He became Examination Officer, acted as the Head of Computer Department, Café Manager, ICT Manager, and ICT Coordinator of the Polytechnic. He also coordinated IT competition organized by Nigeria Computer Society as the State and Northwest zone coordinator, attended IT Institute accreditation organized by Computer Registration Council of Nigeria.He has been External Examiner for Postgraduate and Undergraduate students at different Universities. A reviewer to local and International Journals such as IEEE Journals and ELSEVIER Journal. He has attended and facilitated different Trainings, Workshops and Conferences Locally and Internationally. He has served Nigeria Computer Society at different capacity such as Katsina Chapter Chairman, North West Zone coordinator, North West Zone representative to Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria, he was the Deputy President of Nigeria Computer Society for two terms, that facilitate the activation of several State Chapter and served as Chairman of different NCS committee such as the building of NCS National Secretariat and he is now the President of Nigeria Computer Society.
Mr. Adeola Rahman Ipaye attended the University of Lagos where he obtained the B.A. Hons Degree in History (1984), LL.B. (Hons) (1988) and LL.M. (1992). He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989. After a brief stint in private legal practice, research and electronic publishing, he joined the Department of Commercial & Industrial Law of the same University as Assistant Lecturer in 1992. His teaching and research were mainly in the areas of Commercial & Industrial Law, including Taxation and Arbitration. Apart from introducing and teaching Arbitration as a course for professional Diploma students of the Department, he was, for several years, a facilitator at the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (Nigeria) and the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators.
At the Unilag Law Faculty, Mr. Ipaye rose steadily through the ranks and by 2000, he was a Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean of Law. He also published several academic papers and attended local and international conferences.
In June 2001, he was appointed Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Legal Matters. He was subsequently appointed to the State Executive Council as Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue (2007 to 2011) and Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice (2011 to 2015). In the Lagos State Government, Mr. Ipaye left a record of achievements in public revenue administration, criminal and constitutional litigation, justice sector reforms, as well as justice delivery to disadvantaged members of the society.
In June 2015, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in which capacity he served for eight years as Chief of Staff to the Vice President.
In recognition of his accomplishments in public service, Ade Ipaye received National Honours as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and National Productivity Order of Merit Awardee. He is currently the Principal Partner at Vantage Attorneys LP, a firm of Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators based in Abuja
Professor Olajide Olagunju, Ph.D., FCIArb, FICMC is a seasoned attorney, conflict resolution expert, and peace scholar with over three decades of experience in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and mediation. A Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, which he co-founded in 1999, Professor Olagunju has been instrumental in shaping ADR practices in Nigeria and beyond.
As a Professor of Conflict Resolution at Bakke Graduate University and a Visiting Professor at Université de l'Alliance Chrétienne d'Abidjan, he has guided numerous students in dialogue, negotiation, and justice studies. His groundbreaking advisory role to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labor in 2012 helped resolve a national impasse, leading to the privatization of the Nigerian electricity sector and benefiting millions across West Africa.
Professor Olagunju’s extensive experience also includes working with global institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and Harvard University, where he contributes as a thought leader in arbitration and peace studies. His research delves into the intersection of law, underdevelopment, and social conflict, with a particular focus on Legal Anthropology and ADR. Additionally, through OSIWA, he has trained leaders from Northern Nigeria’s herder and farmer communities embroiled in violent conflict, underscoring his commitment to sustainable peace-building.
Olusegun Tawoju is a dynamic and results-oriented corporate lawyer with approximately 27 years of post-call experience in commercial and civil dispute resolution. After being called to the Bar, he spent a few years in legal practice, working on various matters ranging from contentious litigation to commercial and real estate transactions. He has since gained about 23 years of experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer in the financial sector, working in the legal departments of several banks, rising to senior management roles.
He advanced to become the Head of the Legal Department at Skye Bank Plc (now Polaris Bank) and later served as the General Counsel and Company Secretary of the bank, holding these positions for a combined period of over nine years. Throughout his career in banking as a Legal Adviser and Company Secretary, he collaborated with external solicitors on several significant transactions involving mergers and acquisitions, receivership, loan recovery, and foreclosure of securities. He was also directly involved in multilateral funding, capital raising, club lending, syndications, corporate finance, and deal structuring.
Olusegun was one of the lawyers who represented banks financing the acquisition of Discos and Gencos by private entities and the financing of major telecommunications companies in Nigeria. He also played a key role in the financing of several Oil Mining Leases (OMLs), oil and gas infrastructure, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transactions, among others. He is widely regarded by clients and colleagues as an attorney who consistently delivers results, providing legal solutions that align with clients' business needs.
An excellent team player and a resourceful corporate and commercial lawyer, Segun holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Law. He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where he honed his skills in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria. He is currently the legal adviser/company secretary of Lotus Bank.
Oluwatoyin Bamidele Oni, MCArb a Corporate-Commercial Lawyer with years of experience in Legal Practice and Arbitration. He has attended numerous trainings and workshops and has acquired practical and real-life experiences in Arbitration, Banking and Project Finance, Infrastructure and PPP, Mergers, Acquisition, and Transaction advisories.
Oluwatoyin Bamidele Oni is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), The National Coordinator of the Young Arbitrators Network of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, a Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration (ICSAN), a Member of Digital Rights Lawyers Initiative (DRLI), a Member of The International Organisation of Management Professionals (IOMP), a Member of the Intellectual Property Lawyers Association of Nigeria (IPLAN), a Member of the Space Law & Arbitration Association (SLAA), and a Member of Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration
Timi Olagunju is a lawyer with expertise in tech policy and governance. He was Global Vice President on the Advisory Board, International Republican Institute’s Generation Democracy (IRI-GD) and a 2020 Most Influential Young Nigerian in Policy Influencing (YNaija). Timi is a Lead Consultant for Speyside Group providing consultancy on public policy, government relations and public affairs in emerging and high-growth markets. Before then, he was a Policy and Research Fellow at Global Integrity, Open Gov Hub, in Washington DC. In March 2021, he was selected in the Research Sprint of the Berkman Klein Centre for Internet and Society, Harvard Law School [HLS], on the subject of ‘digital self-determination’, supported by the President of Germany. He is currently undergoing a postgrad at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government [HKS], with focus on AI, blockchain and broadband policy and governance. He is the founder, Youths in Motion and has received awards for his distinction in policy influencing and leadership, including an award from the Ooni of Ife [2022] and President Barack Obama [2015].
LOTUS BANK is a Non-Interest Nigerian Bank deeply rooted in ethical banking, committed to ethical investing and ethical prosperity. We are committed to deepening financial inclusion and broadening the array of non-interest products available to the banked, unbanked, and under-banked population.
Our values are bold, ethical, and births new ideas. They are a testament to our desire to deliver a differentiated customer experience that supports Nigerian businesses and delivers shareholder value. We’re Proud to PARTNER. What are you waiting for? Bank with LOTUS ™.
Vision, Mission & Core Values
Our Culture is shaped by adherence to a set of values that cover all our stakeholders and helps us achieve our ambitious Vision and Mission
The mandate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is derived from the 1958 Act of Parliament, as amended in 1991, 1993,1997,1998,1999 and 2007. Listen to the Audio Version of the CBN 2007 Act
The CBN Act of 2007 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria charges the Bank with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government.
The objects of the CBN are as follows:
1. ensure monetary and price stability;
2. issue legal tender currency in Nigeria;
3. maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency;
4. promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; and
5. act as Banker and provide economic and financial advice to the Federal Government.
Consequently, the Bank is charged with the responsibility of administering the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020, with the sole aim of ensuring high standards of banking practice and financial stability through its surveillance activities, as well as the promotion of an efficient payment system.
In addition to its core functions, CBN has over the years performed some major developmental functions, focussed on all the key sectors of the Nigerian economy (financial, agricultural and industrial sectors). Overall, these mandates are carried out by the Bank through its various departments.
Zenith Bank within thirty-two years, has clearly distinguished itself in the banking industry through superior service quality, unique customer experience, and sound financial indices. These have become part of our corporate culture to the extent the bank is easily associated with the following attributes; Best-in-class customer experience, creativity, excellent financial performance, good asset quality, stable management, dedicated and highly skilled work-force, cutting-edge Information and Communication Technology, efficient and effective distribution channels.
https://www.zenithbank.com/The Bank of Industry Limited (BOI) is Nigeria’s oldest, largest and most successful development financing institution (DFI). It exists to facilitate the transformation of Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial and advisory support for the establishment of large, medium and small enterprises, and the expansion, diversification, rehabilitation and modernisation of existing enterprises
The Bank continues to support growth across various sectors including Agro and Food Processing, Creative Industries, Engineering and Technology, Healthcare and Petrochemicals, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy and Solid Minerals; leveraging its 30 state offices nationwide.
We are a leading Commercial law firm in Nigeria with nearly three decades of experience in various aspects of Commercial law practice & dispute resolution. Strategically located in Lagos, Abuja & Port Harcourt, we are readily accessible to most Corporate institutions, Clients, Government regulatory agencies & Court rooms.
Over the years, we have developed extensive competence and vast capacity in Energy, Oil and Gas, Corporate Restructuring, Venture Capital and Project Finance, Banking and Securities, Company Secretarial Services, Corporate Governance, Joint Ventures and Taxation, Foreign Investments, as well as Litigation/Dispute Resolution. We have also been involved in Intellectual Property Protection, on behalf of clients.
The cornerstone of our practice is an extensive and broad -based knowledge of key sectors of Nigeria’s economy while staying abreast of global industry trends. We approach our clients’ different problems in a holistic and proactive manner to support the development of their businesses.
We have been involved in major commercial litigations and arbitrations in Nigeria while consistently delivering qualitative service alongside our International partner-firms.
Our firm’s strength lies in a team of experienced legal practitioners and Chartered Secretaries, carefully brought together and possessing very qualitative legal education enhanced through well-rounded and continuous International professional training programmes.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) stands at the forefront of Nigeria's efforts to create a compliant, transparent, and sustainable upstream oil and gas sector. With a comprehensive regulatory mandate, NUPRC ensures that all petroleum activities adhere strictly to national laws, regulations, and standards—an essential function for a sector that significantly impacts Nigeria's economy and environmental landscape.
The Commission oversees every stage of upstream petroleum operations, monitoring activities across drilling sites, producing wells, production platforms, and pipelines carrying crude oil and natural gas. A key focus for NUPRC has been aligning industry practices with national goals, particularly in areas such as natural gas flare elimination and monetization, and ensuring compliance with domestic crude oil and gas supply obligations.
NUPRC's commitment extends to upholding health, safety, and environmental standards in line with best practices recognized globally. This commitment safeguards communities, ecosystems, and the industry’s workforce, helping to mitigate environmental risks in one of the country’s most critical sectors.
Central to NUPRC's mission is data management, with the National Data Repository (NDR) serving as an expansive, regularly updated archive of vital information on Nigeria's petroleum reserves, production levels, exports, licenses, and leases. The NDR enhances transparency and enables data-driven decision-making across both government and industry.
A key regulatory authority, NUPRC provides expert counsel on technical and policy matters affecting upstream petroleum operations, helping shape policies that promote stability and investor confidence. NUPRC also manages all applications for upstream petroleum leases, licenses, and permits, ensuring that these processes are both efficient and rigorous.
The Commission also plays a crucial role in government revenue collection, overseeing timely and accurate payments of rents, royalties, and other revenues owed by upstream operators.
With this multifaceted approach, NUPRC not only upholds regulatory compliance but also drives progress toward an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. Through careful oversight, expert guidance, and a commitment to high standards, NUPRC is helping to shape a resilient oil and gas sector that aligns with Nigeria’s development goals and international best practices.
Mike Igbokwe (SAN) & Co. has been in existence for almost 30 years, and has been providing outstanding legal service, advice and representation in areas of law such as Maritime, Aviation, Commerce, Insurance, Banking, Finance, Corporate Governance & Business Advisory, Debt Recovery, Restructuring, Insolvency, Real & Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution (Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation), Legal Consultancy, Training and Legislative Advocacy. We have over the years, provided legal services in these areas to multinational, foreign or local entities, various Governments and their Agencies, and private entrepreneurs. Our law Firm has remarkably distinguished itself as one of the leading law firms in these areas of law practice. The Firm has also presented and published articles and a book, which have contributed immensely to the development of these areas of law and the Nigerian economy.
Mike Igbokwe (SAN) & Co. is strongly committed to achieving clients’ goals, advancing and or protecting their interests first by helping to avoid expensive litigation and financial loss through commercial dispute resolution methods, and second when litigation becomes inevitable, stoutly defending or pursuing their interests whenever threatened.
Solomon Arase & Associates is a full-service, independent law firm poised to provide seamless and comprehensive legal services and professional solutions to clients in a wide range of sectors and industries including corporate entities, business organizations and private individuals, locally and internationally. The Firm is focused on establishing a name for itself as a leading Nigerian law firm.
The Firm's services are provided by a dynamic team of thorough-bred professionals and routinely working in affiliation with several frontline law firms across jurisdictions both within and outside Nigeria, relying on a strong network of experts in various fields to deliver exceptional services with prompt response times.
Who We Are
We are a leading law firm of dedicated legal practitioners specialising in the practice of all aspects of corporate, commercial and financial law in Nigeria.
Our Vision
To become one of the largest and the best legal service providers in Nigeria
Our Mission
A firm where the client is treated with courtesy, truth is sacrosanct , our credo is excellence, honesty, transparency and fear of God , where the helpless is assisted, the cheated given succor, the powerless empowered and we all live like one big family.
Our Team
Our highly professional quality of service stems from the quality of lawyers at our chambers.
Horizon Construction Company Limited was established in 1992 as a hi-tech construction
company to provide services in the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges,
superhighways and other specialized services such as piling. For more than three decades
we have successfully delivered engineering projects with first class services and best civil
engineering practice to clients in the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Our dedicated and experienced personnel are key to the successful delivery of these projects.
The continuous patronage of our many clients who trust in our ability and approach to
provide reliable, prompt and sustainable services availed us the opportunity to have a pool
of construction trained graduates and the best skilled hands in the construction industry.
Our pool of construction trained personnel includes; civil engineers, bridge engineers,
structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, cost engineers, architects,
quantity surveyors’ estate valuers and many skilled technologists and craftsmen. Many of
whom have been trained with advance technical equipment. They also belong to various
professional bodies such as COREN, NSE, e.t.c.
R.A. LAWAL-RABANA & CO. is a full service law firm, with rare and invaluable grasp of strategic legal and commercial issues. We combine our unique legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, to help clients achieve their goals. We have three offices across Nigeria, as well as close ties with firms in other parts of the country.
Our industry-focused teams follow industry developments and participate in industry associations and events, enabling us to deliver up-to-date practical legal services informed by knowledge of our clients and their industries.
If you have any questions please contact Emmanuel Uche at eonyenaucheya@nicarb.org.