The Ernest Shonekan Centre for Legislative Reforms and Economic Development (ESC) and the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative, judicial, and regulatory frameworks in support of economic transformation.
The partnership aims to reshape Nigeria’s business and economic landscape through targeted legislative and policy reforms, formalising nearly a decade of collaboration between the two organisations.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ESC Chairman, Mr. Kyari Bukar, recalled that the journey began in 2016 with the release of a comprehensive report on institutional, regulatory, and legislative frameworks affecting businesses in Nigeria.
The report, produced under the UK-DFID’s ENABLE2 and GEMS3 projects and led by Professor Paul Idornigie, was extensively reviewed by experts from NBA-SBL and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Bukar noted that the report formed the foundation for major legislative proposals aimed at improving the country’s business environment.
He added that both ESC and NBA-SBL have consistently worked together to share expertise, promote informed dialogue, and support initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s economic and legal systems.
He said, “However, this relationship has largely remained informal until now.
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.
“The Ernest Shonekan Centre stands at the intersection of legal reform and economic progress, serving as a collaborative platform to drive evidence-based policy, institutional capacity building, and regulatory modernisation.
“This partnership with the NBA-SBL reflects our mutual understanding that a strong legal framework is essential for a thriving, competitive economy.
We are grateful to the leadership of the NBA-SBL for their openness and commitment to this journey. 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.
“While calling for cooperation between the organisations, he said the MoU will not only serve as a symbol of our cooperation but also as a call to action and a guide for bold, evidence-based reform.
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“The work we initiate today will demand courage, collaboration, and consistency. Given the exceptional minds and institutions represented here, I am confident that we will meet this challenge head-on.”
In her remarks, Chairman of the NBA – SBL, Mrs Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia described the pact as a significant milestone in the collective journey towards fostering a more conducive business environment and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
She said for too long, the advancement of the country has been hampered by various challenges within the legislative, regulatory, and judicial systems. However, with this partnership, she said the country is taking a decisive step towards addressing the critical issues head-on.
As the specialist section of the Nigerian Bar Association, the group, Mrs Ogiemudia has consistently championed the advancement of business law practice and the professional development of commercial lawyers.
She said, “Our commitment to a robust legal framework that supports business is unwavering. The ESC, on the other hand, as a non-partisan, non-profit think tank, has dedicated itself to driving legislative reforms and promoting economic development.
“Their focus on strengthening legislative frameworks, enhancing the business environment, and promoting good governance through research, and capacity building is truly commendable.
The NBA-SBL and the predecessor to the ESC, the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) through an effective partnership with the 8th and 9th National Assembly, she said championed some of the most impactful legislation of recent administrations such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.
“Furthermore, the groundwork for the recently passed Investments and Securities Act 2025 was laid by NASSBER. This is our pedigree and will forever exemplify what can happen when the public and private sectors collaborate for good.
“The NBA-SBL and the ESC have expressed mutual concerns for the development of the Nigerian economy. We recognise the indispensable role that a strong legal, regulatory, and legislative system plays in attracting investment, fostering innovation, and ensuring fair play.
“We also understand the power of networks and coalitions in achieving optimal results in today’s interconnected world. This MoU is a testament to our shared vision and our agreement to leverage each other’s goodwill and expertise.
This MoU formalises our commitment to jointly work towards contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. It sets out a clear framework for collaboration, enabling us to: “Jointly drive legislative, regulatory, and judicial reforms through research, impactful policy recommendations, workshops, and advocacy campaigns.
Develop and deliver effective capacity-building programs by deploying relevant experts and leveraging diverse talent pools to provide invaluable insights on legal frameworks. Maintain transparency and accountability across all initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve our mutual goals.
“This partnership is not merely about signing a document; it is about forging a strong alliance that will actively work to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. It involves creating platforms for dialogue with regulators, conducting meticulous research on legislative gaps, and providing timely insights into parliamentary decisions.
“We are confident that through our combined efforts, we will be able to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, where justice is accessible, and where economic prosperity becomes a tangible reality.”