The Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) held its press conference ahead of the 19th Annual International Business Law Conference, a premier gathering of legal professionals, members of the press and business leaders. The program commenced at 11:00 AM, with Miss Rachel Olayemi serving as the anchor. After introducing herself, Miss Olayemi provided an overview of the day’s program. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by the Chairman of the NBA-SBL, who provided insight into the core objectives and significance of this year’s conference.
In her address, the Chairman emphasized that the conference was not simply a response to changing times, but a deliberate effort to lead the transformation of business law both in Nigeria and globally. She noted that in this era of digital information and artificial intelligence, the legal industry must actively engage in shaping the future. This year’s program was thoughtfully curated to reflect the “era of intelligence” in business across vital sectors of the economy.
She went on to explain that the conference would feature five plenary sessions and six breakout sessions, in addition to networking events, and would conclude with a closing party. She stated that the conference would host members of the press, policymakers, legal professionals, and industry stakeholders, underscoring its national and international importance.
Following the welcome address, Mrs. Solape Peters, a partner at DLA Piper and the Chairperson of the 19th Conference Planning Committee, shared her reflections on the purpose and expected outcomes of the event. She pointed out that technology now lies at the heart of every industry, and the business law sector must not lag behind. She highlighted the collaborative role of the Business Law Section with the National Assembly in drafting legislation that will foster a favorable environment for business operations in Nigeria.
Mrs. Peters also remarked that the Section on Business Law is renowned for organizing conferences that shape legal and regulatory discourse and directly influence how governance affects business. This year’s conference, she said, is designed to spark a mindset shift among those unfamiliar with emerging developments and to offer fresh perspectives to those already on the path of legal innovation. She also announced that two specialized masterclasses would be introduced this year.
Mrs. Peters further acknowledged the immense support of sponsors, stating that their continued partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the successful hosting of the conference year after year. She noted that the planning committee had engaged stakeholders from the regulatory, public, and private sectors, with the expectation that the discussions and outcomes of the event would help drive legal and policy reforms.
Also speaking at the opening session was Mrs. Yeside Asolo, a partner at Kayode Sofola & Associates and the Content and Program Chairperson. She provided a detailed breakdown of the conference schedule. According to her, the event would commence with a lunch on July 2nd, while the main sessions would begin on July 3rd, featuring four plenary sessions covering international trade, healthcare, and technology. The third day, would focus on sectors such as manufacturing, power, oil and gas, and aviation. The conference would conclude with a closing party, offering attendees the opportunity to unwind and network in a relaxed atmosphere.
Finally, the Chairperson of the Media Strategy Committee also addressed the audience, highlighting the media plan for the year. She stated that the media strategy is designed to:
- Showcase the value of the conference to all attendees,
- Attract professionals seeking networking and collaboration opportunities, and
- Draw global attention to the significance of the NBA-SBL conference as a leading platform for business law discourse in Africa.
The emphasis was on using strategic media engagement to amplify the impact of the conference beyond the legal community and to demonstrate the NBA-SBL’s commitment to influencing national policy, legal reforms, and business-friendly regulatory frameworks.
In conclusion, the NBA-SBL 19th Annual Business Law Conference promises to be an intellectually stimulating and strategically significant event, with a clear focus on technology, innovation, collaboration, and legal reform. With diverse participation from legal practitioners, policymakers, industry experts, and international stakeholders, the conference is set to shape the future trajectory of business law in Nigeria and beyond. The inclusion of targeted masterclasses, comprehensive plenary sessions, and structured networking opportunities underscores the Section’s commitment to providing value, relevance, and impact to the legal and business communities it serves.