Stren & Blan Partners

In October, Nigeria’s energy sector witnessed significant developments and notable policy shifts aimed at enhancing infrastructure, sustainability, and energy accessibility across the nation. Key developments include new tax reliefs on energy products, facilitating the transition to cleaner sources, and the Federal Government’s ₦122 billion equity agreement with six gas companies to advance the domestic gas sector. In addition, Schneider Electric’s acquisition of Motivair targets technological advancement in data center cooling, while NNPCL’s departure from its off-taker role with Dangote Refinery signals a move toward market liberalization. For a detailed review of these significant advancements and their potential impacts on Nigeria’s energy future, click the link below. https://lnkd.in/dt8CErcQ #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #energysector

On the 2nd of October 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the hand of the Finance Minister, Hon. Olawale A. Edun, officially issued the Deduction of Tax at Source (Withholding) Regulations 2024. The Regulation, which took effect on 30th September 2024, marks the beginning of a simplified and business-friendly withholding tax (WHT) regime and signifies a substantial shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy and tax administration. The Regulation outlines the procedures for deducting taxes at source from payments to taxable individuals and companies under the amended Companies Income Tax Act, the Personal Income Tax Act, the Capital Gains Tax Act, and the Petroleum Profits Tax Act. In this article, our Team Lead, MARVIS ODUOGU, and Associates, Ifeanyi C. Ezechukwu, and Babatunde Oyewole, discuss this Regulation, exploring its implications for taxable entities and offering insights into the government’s business-friendly approach to tax administration. They also highlight the key procedural changes introduced and the impact they will have on compliance and fiscal policies. Click the link below to read the full publication and reach out to contact@strenandblan.com for further inquiries and consultation. https://lnkd.in/dzC6eqKX #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #companiesincometax #withholdingtax #personalincometax

#sbpphotos Our Partner, Ozioma Agu, was a speaker at the Gas Investment Forum, held from 21st to 22nd October 2024, where she joined industry leaders in addressing key challenges and growth opportunities within Nigeria’s gas sector. With Nigeria’s natural gas reserves presenting immense potential for economic transformation, discussions focused on tackling regulatory obstacles and creating a more inclusive industry landscape. During her session, “From Regulation to Growth: Tackling Policy Bottlenecks, Boosting Investor Confidence,” Ozioma outlined the practical steps required to simplify regulatory processes that impact investment flows in the gas sector. She addressed specific challenges that deter investors, such as cumbersome compliance processes, highlighting the need for a policy environment that actively supports both domestic and international stakeholders. By advocating for streamlined policies, Ozioma emphasized the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with investor needs to encourage long-term commitment and sustained growth. She also noted how investors can capitalize on recent regulatory incentives, including VAT exemptions on LPG and CNG products, to enhance their investment strategies and improve profitability in the sector. In her second session, titled “Bridging the Gap and Empowering Women-Led Gas Businesses,” she emphasized the critical role of gender-inclusive policies in driving innovation and economic resilience. In an industry where women-led ventures often face unique challenges, from limited funding access to fewer networking opportunities, Ozioma highlighted strategies for creating an investment landscape that actively supports and empowers women entrepreneurs in the gas sector. As a Firm, Stren & Blan Partners is committed to facilitating these advancements by providing tailored policy and regulatory advisory to both established and emerging players in Nigeria’s gas sector. Additionally, we work with women-led businesses in the sector, offering guidance on securing financing, optimizing contract terms, and connecting with industry networks to enhance their growth trajectory. #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #gasinvestmentforum #oilandgas

Join us today as we host a webinar titled “Catalysing Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria’s Health and Pharmaceutical Sector”, in partnership with the Lagos Health Summit. Our panel of speakers, Pharm. Oladigbolu Adewale, Mrs. Bukola Odoe, and Andrew Garza, will discuss impactful strategies for leveraging public-private collaborations to elevate Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical landscape. Time: 12:00 PM WAT. Register here: bit.ly/SBPHealthSector. #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #lagoshealthsummit #healthsector

Did you know that the Lagos State Government has proposed to pass the Lagos Innovation Bill into law? The Bill seeks to domesticate the Nigeria Startup Act, 2022, and drive innovation tailored to meet the dynamics of Lagos State through its framework. Once enacted, the Bill will provide comprehensive support for all innovation stakeholders, including government agencies, startups, academic institutions, and investors. Founders and entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek legal advice to leverage the Bill’s advantages when it becomes law. Watch the video for more information. #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm

The pathway to a neutral and effective mechanism to resolve investment disputes and promote international investment and economic development was carved with the establishment of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Convention 1965 (ICSID Convention). With 166 member countries, including 50 African nations, the ICSID Convention has become a vital instrument for promoting foreign investment and economic growth on the African continent. Several investor-state arbitration proceedings involving African countries have been submitted to ICSID and its provisions on the recognition, enforcement, and execution of its Awards have ensured that parties do not just get an Award but one that is final, binding, and enforceable in any of its member states. In this Jus Mundi article, our Team Lead, Joseph Siyaidon, Esq, MCIArb., and Associates, Stanley Umezuruike, and Michael Afuye, explore the compliance with, recognition, and enforcement of ICSID awards, including the requirements and procedure for enforcing an ICSID award in a signatory country like Nigeria. Click the link below to read the full publication and reach out to contact@strenandblan.com for further inquiries and consultation. https://lnkd.in/dMne2tmg #strenandblanpartners #investmentdisputes #internationalinvestment #jusmundi

We are recruiting a proactive and highly organized Marketing Communications Specialist to join our Business Development Team. Essential Skills and Experience: 1.Database Management 2. Content and Digital Marketing Expertise 3. Collaborative Skills 4. Analytical Skills 5. Communication Skills 6. Research Skills 7. Attention to Detail Qualifications: 2-5 years of experience in content and digital marketing, preferably within a professional services environment. Submit your application to careers@strenandblan.com with the subject line “Application for Marketing Communications Specialist” by Sunday, November 15th, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. #strenandblanpartners #contentmarketing #digitalmarketing #marketingcommunicationsspecialist

#sbpphotos Our partner, Christian Aniukwu, recently attended the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress 2024, in Hangzhou, China. The congress served as a global platform for the exchange of ideas and insights on key developments shaping the future of Intellectual Property (IP) law. Through a series of comprehensive sessions, participants explored significant IP topics, including innovative approaches to IP protection, evolving global IP frameworks, and the impact of emerging technologies on intellectual property rights. The congress also provided a unique opportunity for Christian to reconnect with our longstanding clients, cultivate new relationships, and strengthen networks within the IP community. #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #aippi #intellectualproperty

Stren & Blan Partners, in collaboration with the Lagos Health Summit, will be hosting a webinar themed "Catalysing Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria’s Health and Pharmaceutical Sector" on 30th October 2024 at 12 PM WAT via Zoom. This event will convene industry leaders, including Pharm. Oladigbolu Adewale, Senior Vice President, Achieving Health Africa, Mrs.Bukola Odoe, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Public-Private Partnerships, and Andrew Garza, Co-founder and CEO of Lifestores Healthcare. They will explore innovative strategies for driving investments aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Also, they will discuss successful partnership models and practical approaches to fostering collaboration. Participants will gain valuable insights into how these partnerships can enhance healthcare delivery and expand the role of private investment in advancing Nigeria's pharmaceutical landscape. To register, visit the link below. https://lnkd.in/dCMbDaJK #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm #lagoshealthsummit #healthsector

Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a significant threat to global maritime security, affecting shipping companies, shipowners, and insurers alike. The region accounts for the highest number of piracy incidents worldwide, particularly involving kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and hijacking of vessels. Given the severity of this risk, it is essential for shipping companies and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs to adopt proactive measures, including seeking legal advice to manage and mitigate the threat of piracy. In this article, our Team Lead, Joseph Siyaidon, Esq, MCIArb., and Associates, Stanley Umezuruike and Ebube Okorji, explore the key areas of legal assistance available to stakeholders, including risk assessment and management, drafting security and contractual agreements, ensuring insurance coverage, and adhering to international conventions. They also aim to equip shipping companies and P&I clubs with the necessary tools to reduce their vulnerability to piracy while ensuring that they are prepared for any legal and operational challenges that may arise. Click the link below to read the full publication and reach out to contact@strenandblan.com for further inquiries and consultation. https://lnkd.in/dtqmneSt #strenandblanpartners #commerciallawfirm