ABASIEMEDIONG ETUK
Victoria Island,Nigeria
Summary
A senior associate specialising across the dispute resolution, capital market, and corporate governance & regulatory compliance practices of KENNA. Practices in dispute resolution which span a wider range of areas, including oil spill litigation, breach of contract, labour disputes, shareholder actions, cross-border arbitration, and fundamental rights actions. Has considerable experience in managing the legal and procedural complexities inherent in these cases. Has a proven track record of representing clients in complex legal matters, bringing a deep understanding of industry-specific issues and negotiation dynamics to each case. Advises local (Nigerian) and international clients in the public and private sectors on various corporate governance matters, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory compliance. Standout skills in negotiation, strategic planning and team leadership, coupled with deep understanding of market trends and lega; industry dynamics. Offering strong analytical and problem-solving skills developed through various professional roles. Knowledgeable about file management, team collaboration, and client engagement, contributing to successful outcomes.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work history
KENNA
- Corporate Transactions & Governance
- Representation of clients in Mergers and acquisitions transactions by providing Legal and Regulatory advice through the transactions.
- Drafting and reviews of Shareholder Agreements for foreign companies incorporating subsidiaries in Nigeria.
- Provision of Corporate Governance and Compliance advisory services to multinational companies.
- Coordinate the Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance Unit of KENNA.
- Activities
- Organiser of the KENNA Governance Conversations 2023, 2024, and 2025
- Moderated at the KENNA Governance Conversations 2025 on ‘Harmonising Oversight and Execution for Stronger Board Management Relations’
Senior Associate
KENNA
Oniru, Lagos
09.2025
- Litigation
- Representation and provision of legal advisory services to prominent companies in the Financial, Energy, and Communications sectors in dispute resolution matters.
- Represented an IOC in a circa NGN 33,000,000,000 dispute arising from a Land Use Regulation Fee between the Client and the State Government.
- Represented a financial company in a repricing claim of NGN 5,000,000,000 arising from the pricing dispute of a non-performing asset between the client and a government Agency that resolves on-performing loan assets for banks.
- Represented a financial institution on a loan recovery of an outstanding of circa NGN 1,000,000,000 for two Commercial Paper Facilities granted.
- Activities
- Moderated the panel session on “Accelerating Exploration through AI, Big Data and IoT at the AOW Energy conference, September 2024, Ghana
Associate
KENNA
Oniru, Lagos
10.2021 - 09.2025
- Arbitration
- Member of the team that represented an IOC arbitration arising from a contractual dispute between the Client and an Engineering and Procurement Construction company with a claim of circa USD 7,000,000.
- Acted as secretary to the presiding arbitrator in an arbitration between two oil servicing companies for a claim arising from breach of contract with a claim of circa USD 30,000,000.
- Member of a legal team that represented a financial institution acting as an escrow agent in a property dispute with a claim of over USD 11,818,181.
- Registrar to Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb (equivalent of King’s Counsel and Sole arbitrator) in an arbitration arising from a contractual dispute between a private oil and Gas company and a private company that provides the services of contract staff with a claim of over NGN 200,000,000.
- Member of a legal team that represented a private company in a construction dispute between the client and a construction company, with a claim of over USD 300,000.
- Currently acting as tribunal registrar to Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb (equivalent of King’s Counsel and Sole arbitrator) in an arbitration arising from EPC and E&P contractual dispute between an IOC and an oil and gas engineering and construction company with a claim of over USD 7,000,000.
- Activities
- Moderated the webinar session themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Women in ADR”, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators on March 28, 2024.
- Moderated panel one’s session themed “African Perspectives of ESG” at the 5th AFAA conference in Cameroon, October 2024.
- Facilitated breakout session on “Third Party Funding and Access to Justice” at the 2024 Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators Annual Conference.
- Research assistant to Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb (equivalent of King’s Counsel) in respect of the publication of the fourth edition of the book “Commercial Arbitration in Nigeria: Law & Practice”
Education
LLM - International Corporate and Commercial Law
King’s College London
London 01.2025 -
Barrister at Law (B.L.) - Abuja Campus
Nigerian Law School
Abuja 01.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) - Law
University of Uyo
Uyo 01.2015 - 01.2019
Skills
- Analysis and research
- Interpersonal client communications
- Report writing
- Team building & management
- Relationship development
- Problem resolution
Language Spoken
English
Ibibio (Beginner)
References
Professor, Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN
Interests
Arts, Networking and Travelling, Watching documentaries
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
A team member actively involved in the incorporation, organisation and management of a leadership initiative (The Akash Leadership Initiative), where I currently serve as the secretary to the initiative., Member, Annual Planning Committee, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, for the Annual Conference of November 2023, 2024, and 2025., A team member actively involved in the development and management of The Governance Platform. A blogging site for discussions and interaction on Corporate Governance-related issues., Research assistant/event organiser for the writing, publication and public presentation of the book “Sustainability & COP28: What It Means for Board” – May 2024
Affiliations
- Member – Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb)
- Member – African Arbitration Association (AFAA)
- Associate Member – Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Nigeria (ICSAN)
- Member – The Corporate Governance Institute, UK
- Member – Nigeria Bar Association
Accomplishments
KENNA Spirit of Excellence Award - 2022
KENNA Spirit of Excellence Award - 2024
RESEARCH & PUBLICATION
- Co-author, “Review of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022”, Published October 2022, https://kennapartners.com/insights/review-of-the-proceeds-of-crime-recovery-and-management-act-2022/
- Co-author, “Board Diversity: A Step Towards Good Corporate Governance” Published March 2023, https://kennapartners.com/insights/board-diversity-a-step-towards-good-coorporate-governance/
- Co-author, “Rethinking the Operation of Section 84 of The Sheriffs And Civil Process Act In Garnishee Proceedings: The Way Forward” Published June 2023, https://kennapartners.com/insights/rethinking-the-operation-of-section-84-of-the-sheriffs-and-civil-process-act-in-garnishee-proceedings-the-way-forward/
- Author, “Independence and Impartiality: A Consideration of The Position of An Independent Non-Executive Director in Nigeria”, Published August 2023, https://kennapartners.com/insights/independence-and-impartiality-a-consideration-of-the-position-of-an-independent-non-executive-director-in-nigeria/
- Co-author, “An Analysis of the Legal and Economic Implications of The Expatriate Employment Levy, 2024”, Published March 2024, https://kennapartners.com/insights/an-analysis-of-the-legal-and-economic-implications-of-the-expatriate-employment-levy-2024/
- Co-Author, “Analysis of The International Bar Association IBA 2024 Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest and Practical Implications for Arbitrators”, Published May 2024, https://kennapartners.com/insights/analysis-of-the-international-bar-association-iba-2024-guidelines-on-conflicts-of-interest-and-practical-implications-for-arbitrators/
- Co-author, “Diversity in Board Composition: Human and Social Capital Perspectives”, Published October 2024, SCGN Journal of Corporate Governance, Vol 17 No 2, ISSN 2006-780 Available for purchase on https://corpgovnigeria.org/product/the-27th-edition-of-the-journal-of-corporate-governance/
- Author, “Managing Transitions Between Non-Executive and Executive Roles Within Financial Group Structures in Nigeria: A Governance Perspective” Published February 2025, https://kennapartners.com/insights/managing-transitions-between-non-executive-and-executive-roles-within-financial-group-structures-in-nigeria-a-governance-perspective/
- Author, “The Urgent Imperative for Accountability in Sustainability Claims in Nigeria: Lessons from the case of Australia Securities and Investment Commission v Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited 2024”, Published March 2025, https://kennapartners.com/insights/the-urgent-imperative-for-accountability-in-sustainability-claims-in-nigeria-lessons-from-the-case-of-australian-securities-and-investments-commission-v-mercer-superannuation-australia-limited-2024/
- Author, “Mind the Board Part 1, ‘The Board as the Brain of an Organisation’”, Published May 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/the-board-as-the-brain-of-an-organisation
- Author, “Corporate Governance in Nigeria Amid Digital Transformation”, Published June 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/corporate-governance-in-nigeria-amid-digital-transformation
- Founder and contributor to the “Kenna Governance Insight for H1 2025 published July 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/kenna-governance-insight
- Co-Author, “Mind the Board Part 2A, ‘Inside the Boardroom: Key Players in Corporate Governance’, Published July 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/inside-the-boardroom-key-players-in-corporate-governance-mind-the-board-series-part-2a
- Co-Author, “Mind the Board Part 2B, ‘Key Players in Corporate Governance: The Company Secretary’ Published August 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/key-players-in-corporate-governance-the-company-secretary-mind-the-board-series-part-2b
- Co-Author, “Highlights of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) 2025 Guidelines on Corporate Governance for the Communications Industry” Published August 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/highlights-of-the-nigerian-communications-commissions-ncc-2025-guidelines-on-corporate-governance-for-the-communications-industry
- Co-Author, “Navigating Multi-Party Arbitration in Nigeria: Legal Framework, Procedural Challenges, and Strategic Solutions under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, Published August 2025, https://kennalp.com/insights/navigating-multi-party-arbitration-in-nigeria-legal-framework-procedural-challenges-and-strategic-solutions-under-the-arbitration-and-mediation-act-2023
Timeline
Senior Associate
KENNA
09.2025
LLM - International Corporate and Commercial Law
King’s College London
01.2025 -
Associate
KENNA
10.2021 - 09.2025
Barrister at Law (B.L.) - Abuja Campus
Nigerian Law School
01.2020 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) - Law
University of Uyo
01.2015 - 01.2019
KENNA