Aminat Ibraheem-Dakeje is a lawyer with a focus on financial technology. She has contributed to shaping Nigeria’s tech regulation and compliance ecosystem by actively participating in thought leadership, publishing articles on legal and compliance issues in fintech and contributing to policy discussions and reviews. She has also worked closely with other professionals and regulators through industry networks to provide feedback on emerging policies.
The fintech law expert who studied law at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she graduated as the best student in her Faculty, began her career at The New Practice (TNP), after the National Youth Service (NYSC), where she worked for three years and gained exposure to both local and multinational clients and the chance to work across a range of commercial practice areas. Aminat was also introduced to fintech at TNP, and with a lot of mentoring and personal development, she got fully immersed in the field. In 2021, she moved in-house to a SaaS company as Legal Manager, then transitioned to 9jaPay as Legal & Compliance Manager, eventually becoming the Head of Legal and Compliance Unit, as well as the Company Secretary. Aminat continued to build herself earning an Executive Master’s degree in Islamic Finance from INCEIF University in Malaysia and becoming a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) in 2024.
In a chat with The Guardian on her career path, work motivation and milestones, she said: “I am driven by the idea that good legal work can drive innovation and make financial services more inclusive and secure. Legal professionals are no longer just risk spotters; we are now strategic enablers. In Nigeria’s tech space, lawyers are becoming more embedded in product design, customer experience, and growth strategy. The most impactful legal professionals in the tech ecosystem are those who understand the business, the tech, and the law, and can bring those perspectives together. So, I am fueled by the visible positive impact of the work I do. Supporting financial service providers in creating accessible, tech-enabled solutions for everyday people is deeply fulfilling.”
On her transition from traditional law into fintech, she said: “Honestly, I was always looking for something beyond the conventional. During my NYSC days, I worked at a litigation firm and quickly realised that wasn’t where I wanted to stay. While I respect litigators, I knew I wouldn’t thrive in that space. At TNP, when I was asked what area of law I wanted to specialise in, I said I didn’t want litigation but was open to exploring other fields. That answer gave me the chance to rotate across departments, and I eventually settled into fintech law. The learning curve was steep. Fintech is highly technical, and beyond the legal framework, you need to understand the products, systems, and user experience. I was fortunate to have senior colleagues who mentored me and trusted me enough to give me opportunities, even when I wasn’t fully equipped. There were plenty of late nights, tears, and trial-by-fire moments, but I’d say taking on those challenges accelerated my growth more than anything else.” One can recall here that the signs had always been there since Aminat’s days at the university. Apart from graduating as the valedictorian of her Faculty, she also won the award for the Best Graduating Student in the Law of Business Association.
Speaking on the role of 9jaPay in the Nigerian digital financial ecosystem, Aminat said: “As a digital financial services provider focused on making every day financial transactions seamless, 9jaPay’s mission is to redefine what is possible in the financial space for individuals and businesses in Nigeria by using technology to deliver convenient, secure, and end-to-end solutions.”
On her role as the pioneer of 9jaPay’s legal and regulatory structure, Aminat said: “Joining 9jaPay at its early stage gave me the rare opportunity to build from scratch. I was responsible for setting up the legal and compliance framework that underpins the company’s operations. That involved extensive work with regulators to ensure we had the proper licenses and legal rails, building our internal compliance programme, and setting up corporate governance structures as Company Secretary. One of the milestones I’m most proud of was being able to get the business up and running within a tight timeframe, despite challenges.
There’s a different kind of fulfilment in watching something you helped build from the ground grow into a structured business generating real value. I sit on the management team of the company, so I have had the opportunity to shape business strategy beyond just legal work. I play a critical role in product development, ensuring that all products go through legal and compliance screening from ideation to launch. I’ve also led the implementation of internal policies that promote a culture of compliance and responsible risk-taking. More broadly, I provide strategic guidance across departments to ensure that our operations align with regulatory expectations and industry best practices, helping us avoid legal pitfalls and reputational damage.”
On her expectations on policy shift in the Nigerian fintech industry, Aminat said: “Going forward, I expect to see more clarity and structure around data protection, especially with the increased adoption of Artificial Intelligence, consumer protection, and open banking. The regulatory landscape is maturing, and fintechs will increasingly need to be proactive rather than reactive.”
Speaking on her legacy, the fintech law expert said: “I want to be remembered as someone who built systems that empowered innovation without compromising compliance and who mentored others to do the same. Mentoring is a big part of my professional life. I regularly support younger professionals through one-on-one mentorship and structured programmes, sharing my journey and offering practical guidance. I’m also active in several tech communities across Nigeria and Africa where we collaborate, share insights, and tackle industry-wide challenges together.”
By mentoring the younger professionals, Aminat is living up to expectations because, alongside her academic recognition as the best graduating student of her Faculty, she also received an award for good character.
