Legal team size: 4

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategies?

During periods of instability or crises, my approach is rooted in maintaining a stabilising influence on the organisation, ensuring that all legal aspects are handled proactively and strategically. The legal function plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, mitigating risks, and supporting the business with agile, informed decision-making. I prioritise a proactive approach by engaging with stakeholders, conducting thorough risk assessments, and ensuring that legal considerations are seamlessly integrated into the company’s broader business strategy.

By protecting the company’s core operations, fostering collaboration across departments, and ensuring transparency and ethical conduct, we safeguard the company’s interests and contribute to building its resilience. In a rapidly changing environment, the alignment between legal and business strategies is essential for the organisation’s ability to navigate uncertainties effectively. This alignment helps us respond to emerging challenges while positioning the business for sustainable growth, particularly in Nigeria’s dynamic and unpredictable market.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

There are several prominent trends shaping Nigeria’s landscape today, which have a significant impact on the legal, political, economic, and business environments.

From an economic perspective, the rising inflation and increased energy costs due to the removal of subsidies are major challenges for businesses, affecting profitability and operational stability. Exchange rate volatility also remains a significant concern, impacting businesses and foreign investors. Alongside these challenges, bold policy reforms in taxation and subsidies are reshaping the business environment, requiring businesses to adapt quickly.

On the security front, the rising insecurity in certain regions has had a direct impact on investments and the integrity of supply chains, which requires careful risk management strategies.

From a legal and regulatory perspective, there is an increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and sustainable practices. This is an area of growing importance, particularly as businesses are held accountable for their environmental and social impact. The regulatory landscape is also evolving in key sectors such as fintech, data protection, and e-commerce, where there is a need for businesses to navigate complex and emerging regulations. Additionally, judicial reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of dispute resolution are creating a more streamlined and effective legal system.

The rapid growth of tech startups, particularly in the fintech space, also presents new legal considerations and opportunities. As interest rates remain high, businesses are increasingly relying on alternative financing options, which necessitates careful attention to the legal structures involved in these arrangements.

Are there any causes, business or otherwise, you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about issues surrounding the rising inflation and energy costs in Nigeria, particularly following the subsidy removal. These factors directly affect businesses and individuals, contributing to a growing sense of financial strain. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions to ensure that businesses remain resilient while supporting the economy.

The volatility in exchange rates and its impact on foreign investments is also a concern, as it affects not only business operations but also the broader economic stability. Additionally, I am passionate about supporting bold policy reforms, particularly those in taxation and subsidies, to create a more predictable and conducive business environment.

Insecurity remains a significant challenge in the country, and I strongly advocate for strategies that address these issues to protect investments, supply chains, and the workforce. Finally, I am committed to promoting legal and regulatory reforms that enhance business resilience, transparency, and sustainability across all sectors of the economy.