The Director-General, Sola Obadimu featured as a Speaker at a ‘Roundtable on Strengthening the Judiciary and the Rule of Law for a Resilient Democracy’ convened under the aegis of the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDDF) which is a joint initiative of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the American Business Council (ABC) at Radisson Blu Anchorage, Victoria Island, Lagos today, Friday, 31st October 2025.
According to Obadimu, every thriving economy is built, not merely on natural resources or capital investments, but on the predictability, fairness, and integrity of its legal and regulatory systems. Where justice is slow, uncertain, or compromised, business confidence declines. But where justice is efficient, impartial, and accessible, enterprise flourishes.
Further, it is necessary to appreciate judicial system reforms, not just as an abstract legal exercise, but as an economic necessity. A predictable and transparent justice system lowers transaction costs, enhances credit confidence, and ensures that agreements, the very building blocks of commerce are respected. Indeed, the private sector depends on the rule of law to protect intellectual property and investment rights; guarantee fair competition and transparent regulatory frameworks; and resolve disputes swiftly through courts or alternative mechanisms such as arbitration and mediation.
Beyond the courtroom, justice must also find expression in public policy in transparent procurement systems, fair taxation, predictable regulation, and the sanctity of contracts. When government actions are consistent with the rule of law, businesses plan better and invest more confidently.
Jointly anchored by Lola Adekanye, Regional Director (Africa) of CIPE and Joy Lawal, Project Lead at the American Business Council, the event also featured Prof. Bankole Sodipo, PhD, SAN as a Keynote Speaker; Chief Dr. Anthony Idigbe, SAN, National Vice-President of NACCIMA and former Legal Adviser as well as Yemi Candido-Johnson, SAN. Also, in attendance were participants drawn from the private sector and members of the bar as well as the media. It will be recalled that NACCIMA currently partners with CIPE on capacity-building initiatives for Chamber & other private sector membership based organisation professionals.
