General Company Secretary (GCS)

About the role

The General Company Secretary provides strategic legal leadership, corporate governance oversight and legal advisory services to the organisation. Reporting to the Managing Director/CEO and the Board, the GCS ensures compliance with laws and regulations, protects the Company's legal and commercial interests, manages litigation and disputes, oversees contracts and advises Management and the Board on legal risks and governance. The role is full-time and based at the Head Office.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the Board, Management and directorates on corporate, commercial, property, employment and regulatory matters, and develop legal policies and risk frameworks.
• Organise Board and committee meetings (agendas, papers, minutes, resolutions), maintain statutory registers and records, and file statutory returns; monitor compliance with CAMA and internal governance policies.
• Oversee legal due diligence for land acquisitions, disposals, leases and development projects, and advise on title documents, encumbrances and land disputes.
• Draft, review, negotiate and approve contracts and commercial instruments, and support negotiations with investors, contractors, suppliers and partners.
• Oversee litigation, arbitration and mediation, coordinate external solicitors, maintain a register of legal cases and report on litigation exposure.
• Monitor regulatory compliance, liaise with regulators and authorities, and investigate suspected violations.
• Lead the Legal Department, set performance standards, manage external legal advisers and promote legal awareness through training.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a recognised university.
• Barrister-at-Law (BL) qualification and current enrolment as a legal practitioner in Nigeria.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant post-call legal experience, preferably in a corporate organisation, law firm, real estate or property development company.
• Proven experience advising senior executives and boards, and handling complex commercial and property transactions.
• Membership of ICSAN or another relevant professional body is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of Nigerian corporate law, especially CAMA, property and land laws, employment law and regulatory frameworks.
• Corporate governance, contract negotiation, drafting, legal research and risk assessment.
• Leadership, negotiation, stakeholder management and communication skills.