Gbenga Biobaku, the Senior Partner at Gbenga Biobaku & Co - a leading commercial law firm in Lagos, Nigeria - was recently appointed to the advisory board of TAGLaw – an international alliance of high quality, independent law firms with 150 member firms based in more than 90 countries.

Gbenga is one of the foremost legal practitioners in Nigeria with more than 30 years’ experience. He cut his teeth at Soji Awogbade & Co, and Irving and Bonar, and was a Founding Partner of Jackson, Etti & Edu before setting up Gbenga Biobaku & Co 17 years ago.

Gbenga Biobaku & Co, operating primarily out of Lagos, is well regarded for its work in Oil & Gas, Energy, Maritime, Banking and Corporate and Commercial Law.

“The experience has been challenging, but at the same time exciting and fulfilling,” Gbenga says about running the firm.

He believes there is plenty of growth potential for the firm and, because of this, is always looking to explore opportunities to enhance its image and reputation globally. His appointment to the TAGLaw Advisory board is in recognition of his efforts at recruiting prominent and outstanding firms in Africa to TAG and is testament to his deep commitment to the alliance.

“This is an alliance that allows members to share ideas, work and co-operate on projects across several jurisdictions,” he says. On his expectations of his recent appointment, he is of the view that Africa is the new frontier and that the alliance is a reputable platform for himself and Gbenga Biobaku & Co to position itself, collaborate and support people looking to set up businesses and partnerships in Nigeria and Africa.

“There is a bright future for the profession in Nigeria, and room for significant growth for quality law firms with capacity to adapt and break into emerging markets.”

He says: “There is a need for greater enforcement of the rule of law and improvement in the administration of justice as these areas are key to driving economic growth and development.”

The government needs to pursue business friendly policies, he says, which are necessary to attract the domestic and foreign capital required “in huge sums” to achieve its growth objectives for the economy as well as for poverty alleviation.

Africa Legal and TAGLaw have formed a “friendship” to offer mutual support.