What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Considering recent developments and a thorough assessment of the macroeconomic conditions in the countries where the group conducts business, our recent legal initiatives have been designed to positively contribute to our business and address some of our operating environment’s most pressing challenges. Additionally, they are aligned with the strategic direction of the Group, including the transactions that shape its focus. Our recent transactions include:

Championing the fight against emerging threats like deep fakes and AI. We have safeguarded the organisation’s integrity and reputation and positioned ourselves as guardians of our digital frontiers, ensuring our business can thrive securely.

Undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of our contracts, NDAs, and risk framework to establish a forward-thinking AI policy; ensuring legal compliance and proactively mitigating risks tied to AI’s transformative potential. It sets the stage for ethical and innovative AI utilisation within our organisation.

My focus is on ensuring that our legal team provides legal support and strategically anticipate, protect, and innovate. Consequently, we have become invaluable partners in shaping the organisation’s trajectory, safeguarding its interests, and fostering innovation in a dynamic business landscape. It exemplifies our commitment to navigating the complexities of our ever-evolving business landscape while contributing to the group’s continued success and growth.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

I led the team to successfully transition to a paperless office and reduce the legal department’s environmental footprint by leveraging readily available technology and collaborating with other departments and stakeholders. Organising and storing documents electronically enables us to save on paper, printing, and storage costs. Other benefits include energy and transportation savings, reducing our carbon footprint.

This also helped with building our knowledge repositories for legal precedents, templates, and best practices, improving knowledge sharing among team members; onboarding of new members to the team, document collaboration, and secure communication to enhance remote work capabilities.

As a general counsel, how do you anticipate and prepare for potential legal and regulatory challenges that may arise, particularly in light of emerging technologies and evolving business landscapes?

My approach is often rooted in proactivity, adaptability, and collaboration, as the goal is to navigate emerging challenges and position our organisation as a leader in compliance, innovation, and ethical practices within the ever-evolving legal and technological landscape.

I adopted a few strategies, including building strategic partnerships with external legal experts, industry associations, and regulatory bodies, which provides valuable insights and resources for addressing emerging challenges; prioritising ongoing education and training for our legal team to empower them to navigate complex legal issues arising from emerging technologies and adapt to evolving business landscapes effectively; collaboration with other departments, working closely to align legal strategies with broader organisational goals and ensure compliance.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Nigeria over the next five-ten years?

With the global macroeconomic landscape growing more challenging and financial resources becoming scarcer, an increasing number of Nigerian companies are actively seeking innovative strategies to bolster their foreign exchange earnings. Simultaneously, the African Continental Free Trade Area presents an immense opportunity for enhancing intra-African trade, enabling Nigerian businesses to expand their footprint on a global scale.

Expanding into international markets will inevitably entail strict adherence to global legal regulations and compliance standards. General counsel will need to excel in managing intricate cross-border legal challenges and transactions while cultivating profound knowledge of regulatory frameworks beyond Nigeria’s borders. This adaptability and global legal acumen will be instrumental in ensuring Nigerian companies thrive and maintain competitiveness on the global stage.

Sustainability and ESG considerations are gaining global prominence, requiring general counsel to assume a pivotal role in guiding organisations. Regulatory bodies are introducing guidelines that impact the ‘S’ and ‘G’ aspects of companies. As Nigerian businesses expand their global presence, compliance with international standards will indirectly influence their relationships with EU counterparts. General counsel must remain well-informed about these developments and assess their implications on their organisations’ ESG practices and operations, recognising the broader effects on business relationships.

General counsel in Nigeria must embrace strategic vision, adaptability, and professionalism to thrive in this evolving landscape. Their pivotal role in driving innovation, enabling growth, and upholding ethical standards will be vital.