Templars hosted the Capital Market Solicitors Association of Nigeria (CMSA) Members’ Lunch. The event featured a panel discussion on the theme of “Redefining the Role of the Solicitor in Capital Market Transactions in Nigeria”.

The discussions were moderated by Templars Partner Zelda Akindele and the four-person panel comprised: Templars Partner Chike Obianwu, who doubles as the Vice-Chairman of the CMSA; Fidelis Oditah, SAN QC, Principal Partner, Fidelis Oditah & Co.; Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, Executive Director and Head of Debt Capital Markets at Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited; Amaka Nsofor, Executive Principal, Debt Capital Markets, Africa at Standard Chartered.

They analyzed the factors responsible for the relative relegation of the role of Nigerian lawyers in capital market transactions. They gave concrete suggestions for resolving this situation and making the role of Nigerian lawyers more consistent with the practice in more mature capital markets. They also advocated for increased consciousness and enforcement of liability for such infringements as misstatements on the part of issuers and issuing houses in the Nigerian market.

Speaking immediately after the panel session, Templars Partner Olumide Akpata firstly thanked the panelists for their contributions to the discussions and thereafter commended the CMSA for its sustained and positive interventions in breaking new grounds and building capacity in the capital market space.