Career Biography

Mrs. Khadija Belgore- Yusuf is a seasoned legal professional with an impressive career of over 20 years, having garnered extensive expertise working in the public and private sector.

Mrs. Belgore- Yusuf’s sterling reputation is founded on her exceptional prowess in litigation and dispute resolution, where she adeptly maneuvers through intricate legal landscapes. Her strategic approach and deep understanding of legal intricacies have enabled her to lead teams to successful outcomes in various legal proceedings. She has consistently demonstrated leadership and proficiency in managing multifaceted legal projects within the corporate and public sectors.

As the Head of Legal and Compliance at Rendeavour, coupled with her role as an executive director of some of Rendeavour’s entities, Mrs. Belgore-Yusuf brings valuable experience in regulatory affairs and compliance in addition to her robust experience in dispute resolution. Her comprehensive knowledge of legal frameworks and regulations has proven instrumental in ensuring organisations adhere to statutory requirements, mitigating risks and fostering a culture of legal compliance. Her experience also extends to the realm of commercial transactions, where she has played a pivotal role in numerous international and cross-border deals.

Notable, prior to her current role, Mrs. Belgore- Yusuf served as the head of the Government Business and Competition Law Practice Unit and was a key member of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice unit at Olaniwun Ajayi LP. In this capacity, she honed her expertise in dispute resolution and regulatory compliance, contributing significantly to the firm’s reputation in these specialised areas of law.

Mrs. Belgore-Yusuf’s expertise in energy, project finance and project development showcase her versatility as a legal professional. Her depth of experience in project finance and development encompasses a comprehensive grasp of the intricacies involved in bringing energy projects from conception to fruition. This includes navigating regulatory landscapes, structuring financing arrangements, and mitigating legal risks associated with project development.

Her role as the Head of Legal and Compliance at Rendeavour encompasses general legal advisory where she provides strategic counsel to the Group, leveraging her wealth of experience to offer nuanced insights into legal matters. Her ability to seamlessly blend legal acumen with a practical understanding of intricate business dynamics positions her as an invaluable asset in the industry.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

As the Head of Legal and Compliance, I spearheaded the implementation of an optimised contract management system in collaboration with the technology team. This initiative involved the creation of templates across all areas of our operations and storage on a platform, leading to a notable reduction in the time devoted to routine contract reviews. This strategy allows the team to channel their efforts towards addressing more intricate legal matters. Not only did this innovation elevate overall efficiency, but it also guaranteed a heightened level of consistency in our contractual documentation.

As Head of Legal and Compliance, how do you anticipate and prepare for potential legal and regulatory challenges that may arise, particularly in light of emerging technologies and evolving business landscapes?

I subscribe to legal publications to be kept abreast of regulatory laws and potential issues. I ensure regular monitoring of legislation passed by the National Assembly and also participate in industry forums and liaise with external legal counsel who may be experts in certain issues to help anticipate potential legal challenges. This approach enables the legal team to provide timely and strategic advice to the organisation.

In your role, how do you balance the need to protect the organisation’s interests today while also considering legal implications and opportunities that may arise in the future?

Striking the right balance between safeguarding the organisation’s present interests and anticipating future legal implications involves fostering a forward-thinking legal culture. Regular legal training sessions, scenario planning, and collaboration with other non-legal teams ensure that legal considerations are woven into strategic decision-making processes.

How have you attempted to bring the legal department closer to your business colleagues?

I’ve actively engaged in cross-functional collaboration, participating in regular business meetings, and providing legal insights in a way that resonates with my non-legal colleagues. Hosting legal awareness sessions and workshops has proven effective in enhancing the overall legal understanding across our diverse teams.

How do you see the Head of Legal and Compliance role evolving in Nigeria over the next five-ten years?

Over the next five to ten years, the role of Head of Legal and Compliance in Nigeria will likely evolve due to globalisation, technology adoption, and increased focus on corporate governance and data privacy. Emphasis on sustainability, ESG compliance, and alternative dispute resolution is expected, along with a need for talent development and collaboration with external stakeholders. Adapting to these changes and maintaining a commitment to ethical conduct will be crucial for legal professionals.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

Choosing external lawyers who align with our company’s values is paramount. This alignment goes beyond legal expertise and extends to shared values in ethics, integrity, and corporate responsibility. I’m open to reconsidering partnerships based on this alignment.

How much influence do you, as a Head of Legal and Compliance, have on the diversity and inclusion policies of your organisation?

Advocating for diversity and inclusion is a personal priority. I actively contribute to influencing hiring practices, collaborating with HR, and fostering an inclusive culture within our organisation. Embedding diversity considerations into decision-making is an integral part of my role.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in- house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?

Anticipating the impact of technological advancements, I’ve overseen the integration of legal tech tools such as ‘legal analytics’ offered by Law Pavillion. These tools have proven instrumental in enhancing efficiency and aligning with legal trends and general positions on law.

How does the in-house legal function contribute to the overall dispute resolution strategy of the organisation?

As a Head of Legal and Compliance, I play a pivotal role in contributing to our organisation’s dispute resolution strategy. This involves both reactive and proactive measures, emphasising negotiation and alternative dispute resolution methods. Collaborating with external counsel ensures our strategies align strategically.

In general, what would you like to see change about the external law firms you use? Examples could be greater flexibility in billing, a more expansive suite of services offered, more transparency in reporting ESG statistics etc.

I expect external law firms to evolve with our needs. Greater flexibility in billing structures, transparency in reporting ESG matters, and a broader suite of services are crucial expectations. These changes reflect the dynamic legal landscape we navigate.

What are some of the main trends in the industry sector you work in in Nigeria?

In the dynamic landscape of the Nigerian business sector, several noteworthy trends are reshaping the way businesses operate. One of the prominent shifts is the heightened emphasis on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. This growing awareness aligns with global standards and reflects a commitment to responsible business practices that extend beyond financial metrics.

Additionally, there is a noticeable surge in the integration of technology to enhance compliance practices. As businesses increasingly leverage technological solutions, compliance frameworks are adapting to ensure the ethical and lawful use of such innovations. Notably, the evolution of technology has spurred significant developments in Nigeria’s data protection laws.

In response to the rapid advancements in technology and the growing importance of safeguarding individuals’ privacy, Nigeria’s data protection laws have undergone significant changes. The Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 represents a pivotal shift from its predecessor, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations 2019. This legislative evolution signifies a more comprehensive and contemporary approach to regulating the collection, processing, and use of personal data by both individuals and businesses.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 is designed to address the intricacies and challenges posed by modern technology, providing a robust legal framework for data protection. It reinforces the rights of individuals regarding the control and security of their personal information, imposes obligations on data controllers and processors, and introduces mechanisms for enforcement and compliance.

This legal evolution underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to ensuring that data practices align with international standards while fostering a secure and transparent digital environment for businesses and individuals alike. As businesses navigate this evolving legal landscape, a proactive approach to compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 becomes imperative, reflecting a commitment to ethical data practices and privacy preservation.

Have you used AI in your day-to-day work? If so, how useful do you find it?

Personally, I actively integrate AI into my daily legal operations. From legal research to contract review and due diligence, AI has proven invaluable in accelerating routine tasks while enhancing accuracy. Its practical application is transformative for our legal processes.

What are some of the main legislative or regulatory changes that have impacted you?

Legislative and regulatory changes have a tangible impact on my role. Recent data protection regulations, changes in tax laws, and evolving labour laws influence our data handling practices, financial planning, and HR policies. In addition, compliance with anti-money laundering laws in Nigeria has become increasingly pivotal. The stringent enforcement of these regulations necessitates meticulous adherence to Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, due diligence, and the implementation of robust anti-money laundering measures. Ensuring the company’s compliance with these regulations involves continuous monitoring, updating internal protocols, and providing training to relevant personnel. The evolving regulatory landscape demands a proactive approach to maintain legal and operational integrity.