In a landmark move to enhance Nigeria’s business climate, the Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have formalised a strategic partnership to promote legal, judicial, and economic reforms. The partnership was cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, June 20, 2025, in Lagos.
The formalisation of this alliance marks a significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between both institutions, which began in 2016 with the release of the comprehensive review report on Nigeria’s business laws and regulatory frameworks. That foundational document was produced under the UK-DFID’s ENABLE2 and GEMS3 programmes, led by renowned legal scholar Professor Paul Idornigie, SAN.
Speaking at the MoU signing event, ESC Chairman Kyari Bukar emphasized the importance of formalising the previously informal collaboration. “This is not merely a ceremonial exercise,” Bukar said. “It is a strategic alliance rooted in a mutual vision to reform Nigeria’s legislative and regulatory institutions to create a more conducive environment for business and economic transformation.”
The partnership aims to tackle systemic barriers within Nigeria’s legal, regulatory, and judicial systems that hinder investment, innovation, and private sector growth. Both ESC and NBA-SBL believe that reforming these frameworks is critical to boosting Nigeria’s ease of doing business and overall competitiveness.
Ozofu Ogiemudia, Chair of NBA-SBL, noted that Nigeria’s economic progress continues to be hindered by outdated laws, weak institutions, and regulatory inconsistencies. She described the partnership as a “decisive step” towards remedying these issues.
“With this partnership, we are committing to address legislative gaps and institutional inefficiencies that discourage investment and stifle growth. A well-functioning legal system is essential to attracting foreign direct investment, fostering innovation, and safeguarding fair market practices,” Ogiemudia remarked.
She highlighted that the MoU provides a clear framework for cooperation in areas such as legislative advocacy, regulatory review, judicial reforms, capacity building, policy research, and public dialogue.
The MoU outlines a broad range of initiatives, including:
Conducting legislative and regulatory research to inform evidence-based policymaking
Organising workshops and capacity-building programmes to empower key stakeholders
Launching advocacy campaigns to drive reforms in sectors critical to national development
Creating platforms for engagement with regulators, lawmakers, and private sector players
Promoting transparency and accountability in reform implementation processes
The two organisations also pledged to leverage their respective networks, professional expertise, and institutional goodwill to achieve shared goals.
According to Ogiemudia, “Our alliance will prioritise meaningful dialogue with regulatory agencies, pinpoint legislative deficiencies, and provide actionable insights to support impactful parliamentary decisions.”
The formalisation of the ESC–NBA-SBL partnership has been welcomed by industry leaders and legal experts who have long called for institutional collaboration to streamline Nigeria’s business regulations. With Nigeria striving to climb global business rankings and diversify its economy beyond oil, improved legal and regulatory structures are seen as crucial.
Experts also noted that a united front between a policy reform body like ESC and a legal powerhouse like NBA-SBL is well positioned to push through long-overdue reforms in commercial law, property rights, dispute resolution mechanisms, and corporate governance frameworks.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and seeks to attract sustainable investment, partnerships like the one between ESC and NBA-SBL are increasingly essential. The formalisation of their relationship signals renewed momentum for reform and hope for a more business-friendly Nigeria.
By driving progressive legal and policy reform, the alliance is expected to play a vital role in shaping a future where businesses—both local and foreign—can thrive in a transparent, fair, and efficient environment.