New NBA-SBL Chairman Vows to Modernise Business Law Practice

The newly sworn-in Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, Baba Alokolaro, has pledged to modernise business law practice in Nigeria and align transaction standards with global developments in technology and environmental, social and governance issues.

Alokolaro, Managing Partner of The New Practice, was sworn in as the 10th chairman of the NBA-SBL on August 27, 2026, during the 66th annual conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He will serve a two-year term ending in 2028.

He succeeded Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, under whom he served as vice chairman for two years.

Speaking on his priorities, Alokolaro said the section would continue efforts to modernise business law practice while preparing younger lawyers for the changing demands of the profession.

He described Nigerian business law as being at an important turning point and said the NBA-SBL needed to ensure that the country’s transaction standards and professional practices kept pace with international developments.

Alokolaro said his administration would focus on modernising how business lawyers practise, incorporating technology and ESG considerations into legal transactions and ensuring that younger lawyers were included in the transformation of the profession.

He also pledged to strengthen the influence of the NBA-SBL on investment and regulatory issues across the region.

According to him, Nigeria’s legal profession must demonstrate the seriousness and sophistication required to attract businesses and investors, with the NBA-SBL playing an important role in shaping that perception.

Alokolaro said the section would continue engaging with policymakers, regulators, government and the private sector on issues affecting business law and investment.

Established in 2004 under its pioneer chairman, George Etomi, the NBA-SBL serves as a platform for policy development, professional practice and engagement on business law matters.

Alokolaro heads the Corporate Finance and Business Advisory Groups at The New Practice and has extensive experience in finance, capital markets, infrastructure, private equity and mergers and acquisitions.

He previously served as Head of the Corporate Commercial Africa Service Line at Andersen Global and was General Counsel to the Lagos State Governor between 2007 and 2011.

He obtained his LL.B from the University of Warwick and LL.M from the University of East Anglia before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001.

His administration is expected to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s business law framework while positioning younger practitioners to meet the evolving demands of technology-driven and globally connected commerce.