By Adedapo Adesanya
U-Law, a sub-firm of a leading Nigerian corporate law firm, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (UUBO), has emphasised the importance of businesses operating within Nigeria to be compliant with relevant laws and regulations for effective growth.
The firm gave this advice at the U-Law’s Black Friday 8.0 Event held last Friday in Lagos, where businesses and industry stakeholders gathered.
As a firm, UUBO specialises in an array of business practice areas, encompassing banking and finance, technology, capital markets, competition, compliance, advisory, tax, and private equity among others.
During her presentation, a partner at UUBO, Mrs Yinka Edu, noted that UUBO had always been at the forefront of innovations and shifts that businesses need to make, stressing that technology remains at the intersection of businesses and the ongoing changes in the world and that the firm has always been ready to play its role.
“We are decorated to supporting startups and MSMEs through U-Law. This dedicated legal support service provides tailored advice and tech-based solutions to growth businesses. One of such product is the Compliance Calculator, a tech-based tool that allows MSMEs to assess their compliance with basic legal requirements without needing a lawyer,” she stated.
Speaking during a dual presentation, Ms Aniekan Udo-Okon and Fortune Ihator, associates of the firm, disclosed that it was necessary for businesses to stay ahead of changes in the operating environment being made by policymakers revolving around data regulations, Know-Your-Customer (KYC), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures among others.
“Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines, it’s about growing sustainably and building a trustworthy, attractive business. It can be used as a strategic tool to ensure a smooth journey towards business growth and long-term success,” Ms Udo-Okon averred.
The event also featured a session moderated by Ms Dumebi Anike-Nweze on how brands can speak to investors and customers and featured Mr Razaq Ahmad, co-founder and CEO of Cowrywise; Mr Chikodi Ukaiwe of Salad Africa; Mrs Eniola Alli-Fayewa, the Head of Corporate Communications at Guinness Nigeria; Mr Oluwatoyin Emmanuel-Olubake, the Investment Director at Novastar Ventures; and Ms Nnenna Onyewuchi of Yellow Brick Road Lagos.
During the breakout sessions, incubators examined how business incubators can accelerate growth for startups with Ms Nissi Madu, Managing Partner at CCHub, Ms Subuola Oyeleye, Founder of BeautyHut Africa, Ms Karina Karunwi of Impact Hub, and Mr Femi Moito, Founder of Innovest Afrika sharing key things founders and startups should do during incubation stage.
Simultaneously, experts in the food industry, including Gatumi Aliyu, Co-founder of Vendease, Michael Chu’di Ejekam, Chief Executive Officer of Atreos, Folayemi Agusto, the co-founder of Eat Drink Lagos, and Tobi Hamilton, the founder of The House shared the potential partnerships and pitfalls necessary to know for startups in the value chain during a session moderated by Banke Makinde, Founder of 3 by 4 Foods.
The programme culminated with a speed dating session where startup founders and managers sat with experts, including investors, lawyers, founders, and brand specialists to receive personalised business advice.
