By Ayo Onikoyi

As the construction industry continues to expand in complexity and scope, US-based Nigerian legal expert, Emmanuella Osifo, has emphasized the need for heightened legal compliance and strategic contract management within the sector.

With nearly eight years of experience specializing in construction and contract law, Osifo has emerged as a key legal mind in the field, known for her expertise in structuring, negotiating, and overseeing construction-related agreements that align with industry regulations and client goals.

Speaking to journalists during a recent engagement in Los Angeles, Osifo addressed the critical role of legal due diligence and contract integrity in the construction industry. “Legal compliance in construction is not just a formality—it’s a foundational element that protects both developers and contractors from costly disputes and operational setbacks,” she noted.

Osifo’s professional journey has involved advising a wide range of stakeholders, including real estate developers, construction firms, and public sector agencies. Her work ensures that construction contracts are not only legally binding but also tailored to mitigate risks and secure long-term project success.

“I’ve worked closely with developers and procurement teams to navigate the complexities of construction agreements, ensuring the language used is precise, enforceable, and aligned with regulatory standards,” she explained.

Holding a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Loyola Marymount University, Loyola Law School, Osifo’s academic and practical grounding in American contract and procurement law has positioned her as a trusted advisor in both public and private sector construction projects.

Currently serving as a Contract Specialist with the Mayor’s Office for Public Safety in Los Angeles, Osifo plays a central role in managing high-stakes government contracts. She ensures strict compliance with public procurement laws and monitors the execution of construction-related agreements. “Government construction projects demand an exceptional level of compliance because public funds are at stake. Every clause in the contract must reflect transparency, fairness, and accountability,” she stated.

Beyond contract drafting and negotiation, Osifo is well-versed in dispute resolution mechanisms often required in construction law, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation support. “Disputes are common in construction, often due to scope changes, delays, or payment disagreements. A well-drafted contract can prevent many of these issues, but where disputes do arise, having a clear legal strategy is key,” she explained.

Her commitment to construction law also includes deep knowledge of procurement frameworks, contractor-subcontractor relationships, and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) as it relates to materials and supply agreements. “Understanding these nuances allows me to anticipate challenges before they escalate, helping my clients focus on building, not battling legal setbacks,” she said.

Osifo has also contributed to community upliftment, including initiatives that improve access to education for underprivileged girls and support organizations like People Assisting the Homeless (PATH). “I believe legal professionals have a broader duty to society, especially when it comes to empowering communities and advocating for equity in access to services,” she shared.

Her legal career has included roles at respected firms such as GODO Attorneys, Lanks Hub Ltd, Ivy Crest Attorneys, and the Law Office of Jacob Emrani, where she sharpened her skills in construction litigation and contract advisory.

For young lawyers looking to specialize in construction law, Osifo advised focusing on mastering the intricacies of contract law, procurement processes, and industry-specific regulations. “Construction law is technical and fast-evolving. You need to understand both the letter of the law and the practical realities of construction work,” she advised.

As she continues to make a mark in the field, Osifo remains committed to fostering legal integrity within the construction industry.

“My mission is to help stakeholders—public and private—approach their construction projects with legal confidence, clarity, and a commitment to compliance,” she concluded.

Nigeria experience

Emmanuella, a legal expert on secondment from top-tier Nigerian law firm GODO Attorneys, has been instrumental in the negotiation and execution of several high-impact infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Her role, particularly in collaboration with BUKS Executives Services Limited, has brought legal acumen and negotiation expertise to the forefront of engineering and construction success in Lagos and beyond.

In 2019, she supported the negotiation of the Abula-Ado Road Phase 3, followed by the 2020 reconstruction of Jide-Oki, Prince Odederin, and Moshood Olugbani Streets. These complex projects demanded seamless coordination between private firms and government bodies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and on-time delivery.

Perhaps most notably, Emmanuella played a pivotal role in the Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan Expressway expansion — a 43.6-kilometer mega project valued at ₦134 billion. As part of this transformative undertaking, she assisted Kier Construction Company, a subcontractor of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, in drafting and negotiating subcontract terms.

Her leadership extended to critical infrastructure components, including interchanges, road lighting, drainage systems, and flyovers. The project, now a key artery of economic activity, has created thousands of jobs and markedly improved regional connectivity.

“Beyond road infrastructure, Emmanuella has also demonstrated formidable capabilities in the residential housing sector. Her legal oversight of the construction of 100 units of five-bedroom duplexes in Abuja (2020), five blocks of four-bedroom homes in Abuja, 10 blocks of three-bedroom flats in Abuja, two blocks of eight-unit townhouses in Lagos (2018), 30 units of three-bedroom duplexes, and six units of five-bedroom fully detached apartments (2019) reflects her deep understanding of Nigeria’s real estate demands.”

With housing challenges increasingly mirrored in the U.S., Emmanuella’s experience aligns with American needs for affordable, high-quality housing. Her expertise in cost management, market alignment, and contract execution led to the sell-out of completed developments, particularly in high-demand markets like Abuja.

Emmanuella’s unique legal background, blended with deep industry experience, positions her as a crucial player in Nigeria’s infrastructure evolution. Her contributions underscore how legal professionals can bridge the gap between project execution and regulatory integrity — a model with global relevance as nations race to meet infrastructure and housing demands.