By Henry Ojelu & Esther Rewane

Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr. Ademola Akinrele, underscored the critical need for unity among legal practitioners to drive business reforms in the country at the grand opening of the NBA-SBL 18th Annual International Business Law Conference.

The conference, themed “Survive and THRIVE,” commenced on June 26, 2024, at the Rainbow Event Marquee in Abuja, bringing together distinguished legal minds and business leaders to strategize on navigating today’s economic challenges with resilience and foresight.

Akinrele’s keynote speech was a highlight of the evening, where he passionately advocated for collective effort in reforming Nigeria‘s business environment. “The only basis to have business reforms is unity,” Akinrele stated. “If we show messianic zeal and a sense of togetherness, we will be surprised at the quantum of reform that can be achieved in Nigeria.”

The opening night also featured insightful remarks from Dr. Adeoye Adefulu, Chairman of the Section on Business Law (SBL), who stressed the importance of survival and adaptability in the face of national challenges. “Survival is not a dirty word,” Dr. Adefulu noted. “People undermine the importance of survival, especially given the challenges we face as a nation.”

NBA President Y.C. Maikyau SAN echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of resilience and innovation among legal professionals. “We only survive to thrive,” he asserted, urging attendees to remain purposeful and focused amidst evolving legal and economic landscapes.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation, Mrs. Jumoke Oduwole delivered a goodwill message, highlighting recent legislative advancements such as the Business Association Act signed into law in February 2023. She encouraged legal practitioners to actively engage in ongoing reforms, including the Omnibus Bill 2.0, and to leverage these changes to foster business growth.

As the conference continues, participants eagerly anticipate further discussions and strategies that will shape the future of business law in Nigeria, promoting a more robust and dynamic economic environment.