The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) has pledged to ensure that businesses in Nigeria and across the continent thrive in the era of digital transformation.

The body said issues surrounding this agenda would be discussed in its forthcoming international conference. According to the Section, artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive automation are transforming how business owners make decisions, operate, and interact with the legal and regulatory bodies.

The NBA-SBL chairman, Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia explained that the 19th NBA-SBL yearly international business conference with the theme; “The future of business law in an intelligent age,” reflects their ongoing commitment to driving innovation, fostering sustainable growth, and creating actionable pathways for businesses across the several sectors that the legal profession supports.

Scheduled to take place in Lagos from July 2 to 4, 2025, Ogiemudia noted that the choice of theme was inspired by the rapidly evolving intersection of law, technology, and business in today’s world.

Her words: “Since its inception in 2004, the NBA-SBL yearly business law conference has been pivotal in shaping and advancing business law in Nigeria.

“Today, it stands as a flagship event that gathers legal practitioners, top leaders, entrepreneurs, regulators, policymakers, inventors, and industry stakeholders, among others.

“It continues to serve as a platform for collaboration, thought leadership, and multi-stakeholder dialogue, delivering insights and forging meaningful connections.”

She noted that this year’s programme has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the era of intelligent business across key sectors, adding that his Highness Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, would be the keynote speaker. She added that the agenda includes an opening launch, five plenary sessions, and six breakout sessions.

Acknowledging the financial demands of organising the yearly conference, Ogiemudia expressed gratitude to the numerous sponsors who have consistently supported the section.

She highlighted a new approach to sponsorship value delivery this year, which included visibility, speaking opportunities, brand exposure through exhibition booths, and an exclusive networking reception for premium sponsors.

“Expected to draw over 1,000 delegates, the NBA-SBL conference remains the foremost platform for thought leadership, collaboration, and dialogue in Nigeria’s business law ecosystem.

“With anticipation building and final preparations underway, the NBA-SBL has extended an open invitation to stakeholders in the legal, public, and private sectors to participate fully, amplify the message, and contribute to shaping a business environment ready for the future,” she said.

Chairperson, Conference Planning Committee (CPC), Solape Peters said the theme was inspired by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterised by unprecedented digital transformation.

“We cannot afford to lag. As lawyers, we must lead the conversations shaping how technology influences the legal and business landscapes. This conference is not just a talk show, it’s about shaping regulatory outcomes, influencing policy, and sparking necessary mind shifts among stakeholders,” Peters said.

She added that the conference will spotlight the role of law in emerging sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, oil and gas, aviation, and the creative economy.

“A major highlight will be the masterclasses on the creative economy—featuring renowned photographer and musician T.Y. Bello and comedian Chioma “Chigul” Omeruah—and on technology, to be hosted by legal firm, Dodoman & Ben Osagie.

“Both masterclasses are designed to provide in-depth, targeted knowledge to participants in fast-evolving business sectors,” she stated. Speaking on the content of the conference, the Chairperson, Programme and Content Sub-Committee, Yeside Asolo confirmed that the event will also include a structured mentorship programme and a regulatory clinic, offering legal practitioners the chance to engage directly with regulators on critical industry issues.

“The scale at which technology is transforming our daily lives demands that we stay ahead. The SBL is ensuring that lawyers are not left behind but are equipped to lead in this intelligent age,” Asolo said.