NBA-SBL and ESC Forge Strategic Alliance to Drive Legislative Reforms and Economic Growth in Nigeria

A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SECTION ON BUSINESS LAW (NBA-SBL) AND THE ERNEST SHONEKAN CENTRE (ESC)

In a significant step towards shaping a more business-friendly legal and regulatory landscape in Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has entered into a landmark partnership with the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formally signed during a ceremony attended by legal and policy experts, underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework, boosting investor confidence, and championing sustainable economic development.

Delivering her remarks at the event, the Chair of the NBA-SBL, Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, described the partnership as “a decisive step towards addressing some of the country’s most critical challenges within the legislative, regulatory, and judicial systems.”

This MoU is more than just a formal agreement. It is a shared commitment to deliver impactful, research-driven reforms and strengthen the foundations that support innovation, investment, and justice, Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, Chair, NBA-SBL.

A History of Collaborative Impact
This new partnership builds upon a long-standing relationship between NBA-SBL and the ESC’s predecessor, the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER). Their past collaborations led to some of Nigeria’s most consequential pieces of legislation in recent times, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, and the newly passed Investments and Securities Act 2025.

These landmark achievements, Mrs. Ogiemudia noted, are a testament to what is possible when public and private institutions join forces for the common good.

Shared Vision, Structured Commitment
With this MoU, both organisations have outlined a clear and practical framework for collaboration that focuses on:

  • Driving legislative, regulatory, and judicial reforms through rigorous research, policy recommendations, and advocacy;
  • Delivering targeted capacity-building initiatives led by sector experts and thought leaders;
  • Promoting transparency, accountability, and measurable impact across all joint initiatives.
  • At the heart of this alliance is the belief that meaningful reform requires more than good intentions — it demands coordinated action, inclusive dialogue, and sustained engagement.

Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic and legal challenges, partnerships like this signal hope and progress. By working together, the NBA-SBL and ESC aim to make doing business in Nigeria easier, fairer, and more secure for all stakeholders.

Mrs. Ogiemudia expressed deep appreciation to everyone involved in making the partnership a reality, emphasising that “our combined strengths will create room for businesses to flourish, improve access to justice, and contribute to national prosperity.”

The NBA-SBL remains committed to fostering partnerships that elevate legal practice, promote good governance, and support economic transformation in Nigeria.

See visual highlights from the ceremony.