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 advance legislative and regulatory reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s business environment.
According to a statement on Thursday, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at a formal ceremony held in Lagos to institutionalise their long-standing collaboration.
The statement added that the agreement underscores their joint commitment to promoting economic competitiveness through legal reform, evidence-based policymaking, and stakeholder engagement.
“The partnership draws from a deep history of collaboration dating back to 2016, when the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG)—the parent body of ESC—alongside NBA-SBL and other stakeholders, contributed to the Comprehensive Review of the Institutional, Regulatory, Legislative and Associated Instruments Affecting Businesses in Nigeria,” the statement said.
Advertisement
“That foundational effort, supported by UK-DFID’s ENABLE2 and GEMS3 programmes, laid the groundwork for the establishment of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER), an ESC-led platform which has since driven landmark reforms, including updates to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Investment and Securities Act, and the Arbitration and Mediation Act.
“While ESC and NBA-SBL have worked together for years, this agreement formalises their partnership and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in legislative research, policy development, and reform implementation.”
‘WE’LL CLOSE THE GAPS THAT INHIBIT ECONOMIC GROWTH’
Advertisement
Speaking at the ceremony, Bukar Kyari, chairman of ESC, described the MoU as a formalisation of a strategic partnership driven by a shared vision to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and economic institutions.
“Today is not just a ceremonial exercise; it is the formalisation of a strategic partnership rooted in a shared vision to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative, judicial, and regulatory frameworks that support its economic transformation,” Kyari said.
“This partnership is a strong statement that both the legal and economic communities recognise the value of dialogue, reform, and strategic alignment.
“Through this collaboration with the NBA-SBL, we will leverage legal expertise, policy insight, and stakeholder engagement to address pressing challenges and close the gaps that inhibit economic growth and legal efficiency.”
Advertisement
On his part, Uchenna Ogbonna, executive director of ESC, said the organisation is committed to providing the policy and research backbone required to drive targeted reforms.
“Partnering with NBA-SBL enables us to bridge legal expertise with economic development priorities,” he said.
Also speaking, Ozofu Ogiemudia, chair of NBA-SBL, said the group is pleased to formalise its relationship with the Ernest Shonekan Centre.
“Working with the ESC enables us to support legal reform initiatives that not only align with global best practices but also respond to the practical needs of Nigerian businesses,” Ogiemudia added.
Advertisement
According to the statement, the partnership will promote joint initiatives such as policy dialogues, legislative reviews, collaborative research, and capacity-building programmes — all designed to enhance Nigeria’s regulatory landscape and improve the ease of doing business.
Advertisement
