The 13th Annual Business Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law Conference June 26–28, 2019
The NBA-SBL Conference (“conference”) was quite insightful and educative as it bordered on the germane issues surrounding economic growth, investment and employment in Nigeria and the role of lawyers in addressing related challenges. The conference was well attended by lawyers from diverse fields of law and my experience at the conference is summarised below:
Registration and Conference Arrangement
The conference arrangement was well thought out and implemented. A day to the conference, we received emails for accreditation and collection of conference materials and also reminders via the conference APP. The registration of delegates was done in a timely manner and the conference materials were of good quality. The opening ceremony/dinner was well attended and the choice of speakers for the opening ceremony/dinner was genius as they understand the importance of law in propelling economic development. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila spoke on the law reforms necessary to improve the business environment, and His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu spoke on his plans for the economic development of Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria.
Theme of the Conference
The theme of the conference “Growth, Investment and Employment: Beyond Rhetoric” could not have come at a better time. It sought to highlight the challenges facing growth and investment in the Nigerian economy such as the increasing unemployment rate amongst the youth which stood at a staggering 36.5% and most importantly, to proffer solutions from a legal perspective to the identified challenges. The panellist of the conference sessions were all quite versed in their specialised fields from the regulators, to private investors, to professionals and the sessions I attended were quite engaging.

One of the plenary sessions I enjoyed the most was “Leading the Charge- Private Sector and the Nigerian Economy” which focused on the role and inclusion of the private sector in driving the Nigerian economy and the benefits of public private partnerships. Private sector involvement cannot be over-emphasised considering the growth of the country cannot be left solely to the government. Another session I enjoyed was on “Smarter Regulation- A Catalyst for Growth, Investment & Employment”. This section addressed the need for regulators to primarily act as instruments for promoting investment in driving the economy rather than the current stance where the focus is on revenue generation thereby unwittingly squashing potential investments in Nigeria.



There was a total of eight (8) breakout sessions during the conference with very interesting and pertinent topics. I personally enjoyed the breakout sessions on “Mind the Gap-The New Era of Taxation in Nigeria” which focused on the Federal Government’s drive on aggressive tax collection and enforcement as well as the adverse effect on taxpayers. Another session I enjoyed was titled “#Metoo-Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” which addressed the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace and various stigmas preventing victims from speaking up. However, given the significance of this topic and its potential impact, I wished it was part of the subjects discussed in a plenary session for deliberation by a wider audience. Being part of both sessions was a learning and insightful experience and I was glad to have been part of such deliberations.



My highlight of the conference was the variety show, “Tales Beyond the Bar” which showcased legal practitioners who have carved a niche for themselves in other fields and also leveraging on their background in law. It felt inspiring with law as a catalyst for achieving one’s passion, creating employment and that in itself is beyond rhetoric. The conference has given me another perspective to law following my interactions with other lawyers from various spheres of life and for this I am grateful!
by Oyinkansola Annie, Odujinrin & Adefulu
- Building on legacy, delivering for the future—announcing our rebrand!
- CONSTITUTIONALITY OF COLLECTION OF VALUE ADDED TAX BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA
- PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT; DEVELOPMENTS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE ISSUES
- Gala Dinner Celebration for 50th Anniversary of Odujinrin and Adefulu
- Impeachment Panel Under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution: Whether a Mere Fact-Finding Panel
- Evaluating the Validity of Electronic Signatures
- Review of Some Key Provisions in the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020
- The Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 – Reforms From a Finance Perspective
- Requirement For Seal And Stamp Of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria: A Means To An End?
- Odujinrin & Adefulu advises African Export-Import Bank, as Nigerian Counsel, on an acquisition facility in the value of US$300 million advanced to Titan Trust Bank Limited for the acquisition of majority shares in Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.
- Covid-19 and its Effect on Financing Transactions in Nigeria: Practical Considerations
- The Finance Act 2019 - Highlights of Significant Provisions
- The Growth Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
- The Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018
- The 13th Annual Business Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law Conference June 26- 28, 2019
- A Review Of The Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Act 2019
- Can The Executive Order NO. 007 Stand The Test Of Time?
- Governance and Technological Advancement In Nigeria
- ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards 2018
- Energy, Natural Resource and Environment Roundtable