Head of Legal and Corporate Relations at Eta-Zuma Group W/A Limited

• The Head, Legal & Corporate Relations will provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and governance oversight for all legal, regulatory, and corporate engagement functions of the organization.
• The role is responsible for safeguarding the Company’s (Etazuma Mining & Industries Limited and its Client Companies) legal interests, ensuring full regulatory compliance, managing litigation exposure, and strengthening corporate relationships with key stakeholders.
• The position serves as a strategic advisor to Executive Management on all legal and corporate matters, ensuring that business decisions are informed, risk-aware, and aligned with applicable laws, regulations, and corporate governance standards.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Legal and Corporate Relations function in alignment with the Company’s overall business objectives.
• Translate Executive Management Directives (EMDs) into actionable legal and corporate strategies.
• Advise Executive Management on legal implications of business decisions, investments, partnerships, and operational activities.
• Proactively identify legal, regulatory, and reputational risks and provide strategic mitigation recommendations.

Legal Advisory & Risk Management:

• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Company on all corporate, commercial, operational, and regulatory matters.
• Formulate and implement legal strategies to protect the Company’s interests across all business activities.
• Provide guidance on contracts, transactions, joint ventures, and corporate structuring.
• Identify emerging legal risks and ensure proactive risk mitigation and compliance measures.

Litigation Management & Dispute Resolution:

• Provide overall leadership and direction on all litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution matters involving the Company.
• Oversee the preparation, drafting, and review of all court processes, legal submissions, and case documentation.
• Coordinate with external counsel and ensure effective representation of the Company in all legal proceedings.
• Develop strategies for dispute prevention, negotiation, and resolution to minimize legal exposure and cost.

Corporate Governance & Compliance:

• Establish and maintain robust corporate governance frameworks across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and internal policy requirements.
• Oversee corporate filings, regulatory submissions, and statutory obligations.
• Monitor adherence to governance standards and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.

Corporate Relations & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead corporate engagement with regulators, government agencies, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Manage high-level relationships to support business continuity and regulatory alignment.
• Represent the Company in executive meetings, negotiations, and official engagements as assigned.
• Provide strategic input on corporate positioning, reputation management, and stakeholder relations.

Contract Management & Legal Documentation:

• Oversee the drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of all legal agreements and contracts.
• Ensure contractual arrangements adequately protect the Company’s interests and mitigate risks.
• Develop and standardize contract templates, policies, and documentation processes.

Departmental Leadership & Performance Management:

• Provide leadership and oversight to all units within the Legal and Corporate Relations Department.
• Assign tasks, supervise unit heads, and ensure effective execution of departmental responsibilities.
• Establish performance standards, monitor outputs, and drive continuous improvement within the team.
• Build capacity within the department through mentoring, training, and professional development.

Reporting & Executive Communication:

• Provide timely updates to Executive Management on critical issues requiring attention or decision.
• Ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in all legal and corporate communications.

Policy Development & Advisory:

• Develop, review, and implement legal and corporate policies to support organizational objectives.
• Ensure policies are aligned with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Provide advisory support on policy interpretation and implementation across business units.

Confidentiality & Ethical Standards:

• Maintain the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal and corporate information.
• Ensure secure management of legal records and adherence to confidentiality protocols.
• Promote ethical standards and compliance culture across the organization.

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a recognized institution.
• Call to the Nigerian Bar (BL) with valid practicing license.
• Master's Degree (LL.M, MBA, or related field) is an added advantage.

Professional Experience:

• 12 - 15 years of post-call experience, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role (Head of Legal / Senior Legal Counsel / Legal Director).
• Proven experience providing legal advisory at executive or board level.
• Strong background in corporate, commercial, and regulatory law, preferably within:
  • Mining / extractive industryEnergy / power sector
  • Manufacturing or infrastructure environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-entity or group structures.
• Hands-on experience in:
  • Litigation and dispute resolution
  • Contract negotiation and structuring
  • Corporate governance and compliance oversight.