Messiah Iheanacho

An experienced legal professional with an LLB from Rivers State University and Nigerian Law School, I specialise in policy development and review, research, regulatory compliance and governance advisory. My experience also includes providing legal guidance across sectors such as non-profit, maritime, agribusiness and corporate governance. Committed to precision and strategic problem-solving, I aim to develop legal strategies for companies that help to align compliance with sustainable business growth and development.

Legal & Compliance Officer at Solina Centre for International Development & Research (SCIDaR) (2024-04 – 2026-02)

• Developed and operationalised a strengthened compliance management system across SCIDaR's programmes, ensuring seamless adherence to donor requirements, internal policies and national regulatory standards.
• Led the comprehensive review and drafting of service provider agreements, MoUs, and donor-facing documents, embedding risk-mitigation clauses that reduced contract-related exposure by over 35%.
• Designed and maintained an enterprise-wide Legal and Compliance Risk Register, enabling proactive identification, escalation, and resolution of risks across finance, HR, procurement, and programme units.
• Produced compliance dashboards and quarterly compliance assurance reports, providing data-driven insights that improved organisational audit readiness and strengthened management decision-making.
• Implemented a compliance monitoring framework, reducing breaches by 40% within six months.

Legal Officer at Mop Marine Limited (2021-08 – 2024-04)

• Reviewed and managed over 35 commercial contracts worth N3 billion Naira, including maritime charter party, SLAs and Joint Venture Agreements.
• Implemented a compliance monitoring framework, reducing breaches by 40% within six months.
• Ensured 100% adherence to NOGICD and NIMASA standards; averted legal exposure across our Nigerian operations.
• Facilitated contract lifecycle management across the company's local and international subsidiaries.
• Collaborated with the MD and management to prepare and present compliance reports and performance dashboards.

Legal Officer at Sorflex LLC (2022-11 – 2024-04)

A subsidiary of Mop Groups Limited

• Drafted, reviewed and approved off-take agreements for vendor and third-party engagements, particularly regarding cashew processing and distribution, ensuring contractual compliance within trade rules and business regulations of Florida and the laws of the United States.
• Drafted, reviewed and negotiated over 25 procurement and vendor contracts with several EU clients, streamlining the supply chain and cutting operational delays.
• Advised executive teams on legal/ethical promotion and customer engagement, contributing to compliant launch strategies.

NYSC Associate at Customary Court of Appeal (2021-08 – 2021-08)

• Conducted legal research and case analysis for over 12 customary law cases, directly supporting efficient rulings by the President of the Court.
• Prepared legal opinions and drafted court documents that enhanced judicial decision-making.
• Participated in adjudication of family, land, and inheritance disputes, contributing to improved access to justice for rural communities.

Legal Intern at Jide Taiwo & Co (2018-09 – 2020-01)

• Assisted in preparing case files and attending proceedings at Magistrate, Industrial and High Courts in Rivers State, contributing to the management of over five (5) active matters.
• Supported senior associates in drafting pleadings, motions and legal memoranda, producing over twenty (20) documents with minimal need for revision.

LLB in Law – Rivers State University (2019)

Bachelors of Law in Law – Nigerian Law School (2021)

WASSCE – Emarid College (2013)