US-based legal luminary Ngozi Uzougbo, renowned for her expertise in corporate law and compliance, has tackled some of Nigeria’s most pressing legal issues, offering strategic solutions to address them effectively.
In a recent interview with Tribune Online, Uzougbo shared her insights on handling compliance challenges, particularly oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which significantly impact Nigeria’s economy.
“Addressing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach,” Uzougbo began, drawing from her extensive experience at Entrepose DBN, where she managed legal reviews and compliance for substantial contractual matters in the oil and gas sector. To assess and mitigate the immediate risks associated with oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Uzougbo emphasised the need for a thorough risk assessment.
“The first step is to conduct an immediate risk assessment to understand the extent of the damage and financial losses,” she explained.
This involves evaluating operational impacts and identifying long-term consequences for the company’s financial health. Uzougbo highlighted the importance of her proactive auditing experience, which aids in swiftly pinpointing affected areas and developing a comprehensive mitigation plan that includes immediate repairs, enhanced security measures, and contingency plans.
Ensuring that responses align with Nigerian laws and regulations is paramount.
“I would coordinate with Nigerian regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance,” Uzougbo noted, underscoring her experience with Nigerian content laws, anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) programmes, and anti-money laundering (AML) programmes. She emphasised the importance of engaging local legal experts to ensure all actions are legally sound and comply with current regulations.
Uzougbo addressed the bureaucratic hurdles and corruption issues that can impede progress. “Engaging with government authorities requires strategic communication and negotiation skills,” she said.
By establishing direct lines of communication with key officials and leveraging existing relationships, she aims to facilitate quicker action.
Transparency and documentation of all interactions are crucial to maintaining ethical standards.
Security is a major concern in preventing future incidents. “I would recommend deploying advanced surveillance technologies such as drones and remote monitoring systems,” Uzougbo advised.
Increasing on-ground security personnel and implementing stricter access controls are also part of her robust security framework. She emphasised the importance of partnerships with local security agencies and community watch programmes to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
Conducting an internal investigation to ensure there were no internal compliance failures is vital. “I would initiate an audit of our processes and practices to identify and address any vulnerabilities,” Uzougbo stated.
She highlighted her experience in proactively auditing company processes, which would be instrumental in ensuring robust internal controls. Engaging external auditors, if necessary, ensures objectivity and thoroughness in the investigation.
Uzougbo stressed the importance of involving local communities in safeguarding pipelines. “Engaging with community leaders to foster cooperation and create a sense of shared responsibility is crucial,” she said.
Initiating corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes can build goodwill and reduce the likelihood of vandalism. Her work with NGOs underscores her ability to engage effectively with community stakeholders.
If legal action becomes necessary, Uzougbo is well-prepared for litigation or alternative dispute resolution.
“I would prepare meticulously by gathering all relevant evidence to support our case,” she explained. Her experience in guiding Entrepose DBN through various forms of dispute resolution has equipped her with the skills to manage this effectively.
Ngozi Uzougbo’s comprehensive experience and educational background support her ability to handle complex compliance issues in Nigeria. “My extensive experience at Entrepose DBN, combined with my LL.M in Corporate Law from Ohio State University, has provided me with a strong foundation in legal principles and regulatory frameworks,” she noted.
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