Legal team size: 25

Major legal advisers/external counsel: Centill Attorneys and Tayo Oyetibo

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability or crises, I approach managing legal aspects by ensuring strict conformity to the company’s policies and procedures. This involves advising the board and management on the potential legal consequences of the crisis, highlighting both the pros and cons, and how these could affect the business. I also focus on developing key mitigation strategies to address the root causes of the crisis and minimise its impact.

In addition, I place a strong emphasis on providing flexibility and adaptability to navigate the ever-changing and dynamic nature of the work environment. Crisis often come with unplanned changes, and having a legal strategy that can quickly pivot is essential. This includes adjusting policies, reassessing legal risks, and offering creative solutions to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

My legal strategy aligns with the broader business strategy by ensuring that critical policies, such as the Business Continuity Plan, Disaster Recovery, and IT Disruption policies, are properly implemented and followed. The legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that these procedures are adhered to, while also working to design strategies that will resolve the immediate and remote causes of the crisis, ultimately supporting the company’s resilience and long-term recovery.

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

A prominent trend currently shaping Nigeria’s economy is the push for comprehensive tax reform through four key bills. These are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills aim to modernise Nigeria’s tax system by broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and simplifying existing laws. They include provisions for restructuring tax collection agencies, enhancing penalties for tax evasion, and introducing a digital economy tax framework. Additionally, the bills seek to harmonise various taxes to improve efficiency and transparency. This reform agenda aligns with the government’s broader economic diversification strategy, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on oil revenues by fostering a more robust and business-friendly environment. These legislative efforts are intended to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and attract investment to boost the economy.

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

I’m passionate about renewable energy and this is because the carbon market plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and hydro, offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship. The carbon market, which allows for the buying and selling of carbon credits, is a key tool in incentivising businesses to reduce emissions. Together, these sectors not only contribute to a healthier planet but also open up new economic opportunities, supporting innovation and green job creation.