Principal Counsel - Greg Esangbedo & Associates - Abuja, Nigeria
(2020-04)
Leads in formulating the strategy and overseeing the provision of legal services to 30+ clients, consisting mainly of the financial institutions, multinationals and government agencies.
- Technical expert on responsible digital finance and financial inclusion to the UN Capital Development Fund's 'Beta than Cash Alliance' project in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Secured approvals for opening new branches by financial institutions and for installing renewable energy systems into the construction of smart homes on behalf of construction firms.
- Developed and implemented a compliance framework that translated banking and prudential guideline into clear actions for a global financial institution intending to enter Nigeria.
- Spearheaded the amicable resolution of a commercial dispute valued at US$1.5 million between an oil and gas logistics company and an international IOC, drafting the terms of settlement.
- Built trusted relationships with regulators and government officials to sustain business operations.
Contract Manager - XML International Ltd - London, UK
(2018-05 - 2020-02)
Managed the commercial and compliance process culminating in the execution of contracts by a leading UK-based workforce multinational across 100+ countries.
- Developed a comprehensive compliance plan for the GDPR and led its implementation, serving as the Company's inaugural DPO.
- Implemented initiatives to improve contracting; managed the implementation of a contract management software and developed SOPs to reflect the differences in contractual processes under different legal systems.
- Negotiated and drafted various forms of contracts, including employment contracts to engage 100+ employees for the UN Office of Humanitarian Affairs for peace missions in Africa.
- Performed contract audits to ascertain the level of compliance with regulatory requirements, including the audit of an INGO's compliance with USAID's grant requirements
Senior Legal Counsel - African Export-Import Bank - Abuja, Nigeria
(2015-01 - 2017-06)
- Advised on trade, project and other finance transactions, including 50+ alternative financing for SMEs per annum, including ways of mitigating credit risks arising from such transactions.
- Conducted legal due diligence on potential borrowers in different countries to drive risk assessments, and compliance with AML and Anti-Corruption laws and regulations.
- Reviewed credit risk assessments to generate actions to drive credit negotiations and agreements.
- Drafted various forms of agreements, including B2B financing agreements with firms across different countries.
- Collaborated with external counsel in resolving disputes arising from credit transactions
Manager, Legal Services Division - United Bank for Africa Plc - Lagos, Nigeria
(2004-05 - 2014-10)
- Advised the Bank's management on the legal and regulatory framework for doing business in other countries, providing groundwork for the opening of international branches; secured regulatory approval and banking licenses for 3 sub-Saharan African branches.
- Formulated a comprehensive compliance plan reflecting key banking operations requirements across 10 countries, including the UK and US to ensure adherence to financial regulatory frameworks for existing and intended branches.
- Advised on loan transactions in foreign countries, developing agreement templates; negotiated and drafted agreements that met country regulatory requirements to back up transactions
- Supported board governance and compliance functions for international branches, acting as corporate secretary for UBA Ghana.
- Built regional networks with policymakers and industry associations to strengthen UBA's regional advocacy agenda.
Consultant, Business Regulatory Services - KPMG (then called Arthur Andersen) - Lagos, Nigeria
(2000-01 - 2004-03)
- Advised foreign companies desirous of entering into the Nigerian business landscape on the regulatory framework for doing business in Nigeria; coordinated investment advisory, including securing business licenses for a portfolio of 7 multinationals.
- Led legal due diligence on behalf of clients, including one for the leading global soft drink manufacturer's increased investment in a Nigerian bottling company.
- Resolved disputes with regulatory authorities on behalf of clients; successfully challenged an illegal regulation by which the apex financial regulator imposed an illegal levy on banks.
- Carried out extensive research and contributed to writing 4 newsletters on the impact of regulatory changes on business activities.
Counsel - Aelex Law Partners (then called Messrs. Anga & Emuwa) - Lagos, Nigeria
(1992-07 - 1999-12)
- Conducted extensive legal research and proffered opinions on private law issues of simple to medium complexity; prepared 40+ legal opinions during my engagement.
- Prepared court pleadings to initiate or defend civil suits on behalf of clients and represented clients in court; spearheaded the resolution of disputes through ADR mechanisms.
- Assisted clients to obtain or renew business licenses and file returns in the financial and other sectors.
- Kept abreast with developments in the local and global legal and regulatory environment and advised clients on their potential impact.
