The New Practice (TNP) law firm has reiterated the significance of the General Counsel (GC) in legal professionals as an instrumental role in advancing various industries.

This is as it honours over 90 in-house counsels behind big projects across the country. The TNP Managing Partner, Baba Alokolaro disclosed this at the reception to honour the new entrants into Legal 500 GC Powerlist in Lagos.

Alokolaro highlighted the significant role the Legal 500 GC Powerlist Nigeria has played to recognise the best in the industry across multiple sectors, acknowledging their efforts, expertise, and technical capacities.

He said: “TNP in partnership with Legal500 hosted new entrants into ‘The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Nigeria 2025’ in Lagos, marking the second edition of the prestigious ranking supported by the firm.

“The Legal 500 GC Powerlist has been supported by my firm (TNP), for the second year running. What it has done is recognise the best in our industry across multiple sectors, highlighting their expertise, technical capacities, and contributions.

“These individuals are catalysts for business in Nigeria’s corporate environment.” He also stressed the importance of acknowledging the work of general counsels (GCs) not only in the private sector but also in the public sector as he reflected on his tenure as a public-sector general counsel.

Alokolaro, however, urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to introduce similar recognitions for legal professionals at home, akin to international legal directories. He emphasised the need for local platforms to appreciate in-house legal experts.

Also, Bukola Bankole, a partner at TNP, also underscored the impact of collaborating with The Legal 500, describing it as one of the most prestigious legal rankings.

“The work we do as counsel is to support in-house counsel, so recognising and celebrating them for all the vital work they do. They are the ones that send us the work that keeps us in business,” Bankole declared. She further noted that the initiative serves as a morale booster, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of legal professionals to corporate success.

Beyond recognition, Bankole said the event fosters industry collaboration and networking, enabling legal professionals to build stronger connections and work together across different sectors.

General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer at Tangerine Group, Christine Sijuwade, who was among the new entrants, expressed her hope that the GC Powerlist would ignite meaningful discussions on pressing legal and business issues.

“I see this as an opportunity to bring GCs together to share strong opinions on key issues affecting the industry.

“The event reinforced the essential role of in-house lawyers as catalysts for business growth, further solidifying their impact on Nigeria’s corporate landscape,” Sijuwade declared.