Paul Usoro, SAN is the Senior Partner and founder of
Paul Usoro & Co (PUC), a top commercial law firm headquartered
in Lagos with offices in Abuja and Uyo. He heads the Advocacy and
Dispute Resolution Practice Group and the Communications Section of
the Firm. Paul Usoro is variously described as the
go-to-counsel for complex matters, be it litigation or commercial
transactions and the foremost communications lawyer in Nigeria with
over 30 years’ experience in legal practice. He is an active member
of the National Executive Council of the NBA, and a member of the
NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review Committee set up in 2016. He
was the founding chairman of the Communication Committee of the
Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Business Law. Paul is a
consummate board room player and sits on the Boards of several top
companies. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators, and a member of the International Bar Association and
the Federal Communications Bar Association, United States of
America.
Background, Training and Qualifications
Paul was born in Ukana Ikot Ntuen town in Essien Udim LGA of
Akwa Ibom State on 07 September 1958. He studied Law at the
University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife), Osun State, Nigeria where he obtained his Bachelor of
Laws degree (with Honours) in 1981. He was called to the Nigerian
Bar in 1982. During his compulsory National Youth Service Corp
(NYSC) he had a stint with the Benue State House of Assembly and
thereafter served at George Uloko & Co in Makurdi where he cut
his teeth in advocacy practice. In 1983, he joined Sani Mohammed
Kuso & Co in Kaduna. His hard work and intellect resulted in a
rapid elevation to Head of Litigation, leading the Firm in complex
litigation matters including about 12 (twelve) House of Assembly
election petitions in Niger State sequel to the 1983 elections and
also the representation of 3 (three) key persons before the Awoniyi
Commission of Inquiry in Niger State in 1984.
In 1985, Paul founded PUC in Kaduna. In 1992, the headquarters
of PUC was established in Lagos with the Kaduna office still
operational until 2003 when the northern operations were
consolidated into a new branch office in Abuja. Today, PUC is a
full-service Nigerian commercial law firm, with its principal
office in Lagos, and 2 branches in F.C.T., Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom
state.
Paul Usoro, SAN was elevated to the Inner Bar as a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria in 2003. Mr Usoro has continued to
develop himself through relevant post graduate executive courses,
including Leadership Best Practices training at
Harvard Business School in Boston, USA and Finance for
Executives Program at the Fontainebleau Campus of
INSEAD in France. In 2001, Paul earned his preferment as
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is a member of
the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Paul is a nationally acclaimed litigator and transaction expert
whose expertise covers the entire gamut of commercial practice
including finance, banking, oil and gas, power, election petition
and communications practice areas. He represents domestic and
multinational companies, public agencies, governments and
inter-governmental institutions in various sectors.
Advocacy Experience
Paul’s skills and prowess as a litigator and strategist are
nationally and internationally acknowledged. The rank of Senior
Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is in recognition of his advocacy skills.
Paul’s litigation practice (election petitions, real property,
criminal matters, oil and gas, commercial litigation) cuts across
all the superior courts in Nigeria with a vibrant appellate
experience. A passionate and intellectual advocate – multinational
companies, Nigerian blue-chip companies, political parties/election
candidates and high net worth individuals routinely seek Paul’s
litigation support and experience. A brief highlight of a few
matters handled by him is presented hereunder:
- Paul was pivotal to the recovery of N16billion for Access Bank
Plc in a highly controversial multijurisdictional dispute against a
Nigerian company. The dispute involved multiple complex cases: 8
(eight) within Nigeria and a few others spanning over a number of
jurisdictions including, the United Kingdom, Greece, Netherland and
South Africa. He played the leading role in the negotiation of a
global settlement agreement between the parties.
- Paul was the strategist and coordinating anchor for the defence
of Akwa Ibom State in the Supreme Court oil well matters between
Akwa Ibom State on the one hand and Rivers and Cross River States
respectively on the other hand. These cases were
determined in 2011 and the outcome thereof was Akwa Ibom State’s
retention of most of its oil wells that were the bone of contention
in the suits.
- Paul represented the immediate past Group Managing Director of
Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and the current Group
Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe in a Suit
against the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). The Suit
challenged the statutory powers of FRCN to investigate issues of
mergers and acquisitions and other business combinations and in
particular the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc (IBPLC) by
Access Bank Plc. The Court in an erudite judgment delivered on 24
October 2014, granted all the reliefs claimed and perpetually
restrained FRCN from investigating the acquisition of IBPLC by
Access Bank Plc which was declared a closed transaction.
- Paul represented the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom
Gabriel Emmanuel and his political party in about 35 pre-election
lawsuits from 2015, particularly at the Governorship and National
Assembly levels. All the cases were successfully defended by Paul
and his Team. Not a single one of those matters was lost at any of
the Courts.
- Paul was the anchor, strategist and coordinator for the defense
of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the 2015 Election Petition right from
the Tribunal and up to the Supreme Court. The victory at the
Supreme Court indeed vindicated the strategy designed by Paul and
his Team.
- Paul successfully defended the 2015 elections of 11 National
Assembly Members from Akwa Ibom State including those of the
current Senators, at the Tribunals and the Court of Appeal. It is
indeed a testimony to Paul’s legal sagacity and skills that not one
of the election-related matters handled by him was lost in 2011 and
2015.
- Paul championed the amicable resolution of the dispute between
Stanbic IBTC Bank, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria FRCN and
the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion
(NOTAP). Paul’s stellar dispute resolution skills ensured that the
parties resolved the most contentious issues out of court,
following which FRCN issued its written approval of Stanbic IBTC’s
restated 2013 and 2014 Financial Statements.
- Paul successfully defended the Power Holding Company of Nigeria
in an arbitration instituted by the Lagos State Government in
respect of a dispute pertaining to the terms of a Barge Power
Purchase Agreement and a Contribution Agreement. The Lagos
State Government’s claim in the sum of over 12billion Naira was
rejected by the arbitral panel on the basis of PUC’s compelling
submissions.
- Paul played a crucial and leading role in the team that
represented a France-based multinational oil servicing company in a
landmark litigation against a Nigerian company for the recovery of
judgment sums of US$11,628,962.11; US$5,214,939.98;
DM212,252,751.11; N26,349,753.61 and US$7,157,865.87. The judgment
delivered by the Court of Appeal in the second quarter of 2015 has
become a locus classicus in Nigerian
jurisprudence on the principles of subrogation of one party for
another for purposes of realizing a judgment debt. It is
significant to note that Paul was not involved in the proceedings
at the High Court of Lagos State which gave rise to this appeal.
Indeed, he was engaged for a rescue mission after the appeal had
been lodged against the subrogation orders and had to re-engineer
the entire strategy of the case for a successful outcome. It is a
tribute to his skill that the subrogation orders earlier made
against the French Company were completely overturned and it was
found not to be liable howsoever for the judgment debts.
- Paul represented the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom
State, Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON in three (3) 2011
pre-election matters. All 3 matters traversed the rungs of
Nigeria’s superior Courts, starting from the Federal High Court and
terminating at the Supreme Court and the judgments at each point
were in favour of the former Governor.
- As part of the legal team representing the Senate President,
Dr. Olubukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Paul’s
winning litigation strategy totally reversed the narrative
surrounding the much-publicized trial of the Senate President from
hopeless to not guilty. Paul’s strategic cross examination
succeeded in discrediting both the oral and documentary evidence
adduced at trial by the Prosecution. The legal team’s success
resulted in dismissal of the case by the Code of Conduct Tribunal
on the ground that no prima facie case was established
against the Senate President. The success indeed represents a
landmark victory and one of the few instances where a “No Case
Submission” has been upheld in a controversial matter of such
nature.
The advocacy experience of Paul Usoro is very robust and
diverse. Paul leads the Litigation Group of the firm and is
personally involved in representation and drafting of processes for
virtually over 286 matters pending before various superior courts
as at September 2017. The various matters span all the areas of law
including real property, criminal, tort, industrial relations,
election petition, taxation, and commercial litigation.
PAUL USORO, SAN, FCIArb
Transaction Experience
Apart from earning his stripes as a seasoned and exceptionally
skilled advocate, Paul is an experienced transaction lawyer whose
records and accomplishments include the world-acclaimed, first-ever
and all-round successful Nigerian Digital Mobile Spectrum Auction
conducted in 2000. The transaction earned the Federal Government of
Nigeria US$855,000,000.00 for 3 Digital Mobile Licences. Paul is
indeed generally acknowledged as Nigeria’s leading communications
lawyer.
As an ICT law expert, Paul has been involved in virtually all
major transactions and regulatory reforms in the Nigerian
communications sector. In 2003, Paul Usoro drafted the Nigerian
Communications Act 2003, a robust and enduring piece of legislation
that regulates the communications industry till date. He has been
the primary adviser to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
in most of its reform initiatives till date. He served as Legal
Consultant to NCC, and was the only African and the sole Legal
practitioner in the six-member Auction Control Team for the Global
Systems of Mobile Communications (GSM) Spectrum Licence Auction
that introduced Econet Wireless Networks Limited (now Airtel), MTN
Communications Limited and NITEL GSM to the Nigerian market.
Additional core ICT regulatory and transaction experiences are
highlighted hereunder:
- Drafted the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Processes
etc.) Regulations, 2005; - Drafted the Annual Operating Levy Regulations, 2014;
- Acted as sole legal consultant to the NCC in respect of the
Mobile Number Portability and drafted the Mobile Number Portability
Regulations, 2014 as part of that assignment; - Preparation, on behalf of NCC, of a National Carrier Licence
and an International Gateway Licences for NITEL, a hitherto
unlicensed monopoly; - Acted as lead legal consultants to NCC for the Second National
Operator licensing processes, including the auction and preparation
of the 3 SNO licences; the process produced Globacom Limited as
Nigeria’s Second National Carrier; - Preparation of the Interconnectivity Agreement between NITEL
and licensed private network operators; - Represented NITEL in the negotiation of the Construction and
Management Agreement for the laying of the SAT-3/SAFE/WASC
trans-continental fibre-optic cable project which spans the
sub-Saharan African Continent and extends to Far East Asia through
Southern Africa, with European landing points. This was the
first trans-continental cable project in sub-Saharan Africa.
On account of Paul’s acknowledged eminence as Nigeria’s leading
Communications Lawyer, Akwa Ibom State Government appointed and
relied on him to manage its portfolio investment in Airtel in 2001.
Paul negotiated this investment, valued as at the date of entry at
the sum of US$75,000,000.00. Up to May 2006, Paul sat on the
Board of Airtel as a Director representing Akwa Ibom State.
Akwa Ibom State Government cashed out most of its investments in
this enterprise in 2006, in the transaction by which Celtel BV
successfully invested over US$1,000,000,000, by way of share
purchase from existing shareholders and injected fresh capital into
Airtel (“Celtel Transaction”), which transaction was chiefly
negotiated by Paul. The State indeed made multiple returns on its
investment amount.
Paul led the Airtel Shareholders Committee in negotiating the
Celtel Transaction as the Committee Chairman, which, at the time,
ranked as one of the biggest private sector equity transactions in
Nigeria’s history. Paul represented the interest of all the
shareholders which included three Nigerian State Governments and
blue-chip corporate citizens like First Assets Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. It is a
testimony to Paul’s leadership quality that Celtel BV insisted
after the Transaction that he remains on the Board even though Akwa
Ibom State Government whom he initially represented had about sold
out completely from the Company.
Celtel BV in 2010 sold out its equity entirely to the
Bharti-Airtel Group of India resulting again in the reorganization
of the Airtel Board. Again, Bharti-Airtel, the new 65% owners
of Airtel insisted that Paul remains on the Board of the Company
where, as at date, he chairs the only Committee of the Board i.e.
the Audit Committee.
A founding Secretary General, Telecommunications Law
Association, Mr Usoro was named ‘Best Pan African Telecoms Lawyer
of All Times’ by the IT and Telecom Digest, Nigeria’s leading and
one of Africa’s foremost ICT magazines.
Boardroom Experience
Paul is a consummate boardroom person whose deep analytical mind
and illustrious leadership skills are well appreciated in all the
Boards he sits. He has, at various times, served on the Boards of
several companies such as Premium Pensions Ltd, CR Services (Credit
Bureau) Plc (representing Zenith Bank Plc), Nigerian Bulk
Electricity Trading Plc and currently sits on the Boards of PZ
Cussons Plc, Airtel Networks Limited, Marina Securities Ltd and
Access Bank Plc. Paul is a pioneer director of Airtel Nigeria
Limited, Nigeria’s leading mobile telephone company, having been
appointed to the Company’s Board in 2001, then known as
Econet Wireless Networks Limited; the company has over the years
undergone major ownership and structural changes prior to being
acquired by Bharti Airtel of India in 2010. Paul is the only
surviving pioneer director of the company and has headed the
Board’s Audit Committee since the entry of Bharti Airtel till
date.
A director of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading banks,
from 2014, Paul chairs the Board’s Remuneration Committee and
Governance & Nomination Committee. He also serves as a member
of the Board’s Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee and
Credit & Finance Committee. Paul was appointed as a director of
PZ Cussons in 2011; he chairs the People & Governance Committee
of the Board.
Between 2008 and 2014, Paul served as a director on the Board of
Premium Pensions Limited, a leading Nigerian pension funds
administrator and was, throughout the entire period, the Chairman
of the Board’s Audit Committee. He also served on the Board of CR
Services (Credit Bureau) Plc, Nigeria’s credit-rating organization,
representing Zenith Bank Plc thereat. Paul has served on the
Board of Marina Securities Limited since 2011 and is currently the
Chairman of the Company.
Public Service
The erstwhile President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR,
in 2011, appointed Paul a pioneer director on the board of Nigerian
Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) – Nigeria’s sole power trading
organization, fully-owned by the Federal Government of
Nigeria. The NBET Board was, at that time chaired by the then
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with the Minister of Power as a
member. Paul was also the pioneer Chairman of the NBET
Board’s Audit Committee.
In 2012, Paul was appointed by the Minister of Communications
Technology into a select Ministerial Committee for the review of
Nigeria’s ICT Policy and he played a key role in that Committee’s
work, which final work product was approved by the Federal
Executive Council.
Paul is on the Faculty of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced
Legal Studies as an astute trainer on telecommunications law and
practice. Accordingly, he has delivered several papers at NIALS’
workshops, seminars and training sessions. To mention but a few,
the following papers were personally presented by Paul while about
5 (five) papers, due to conflict in schedule, were presented on his
behalf by his colleagues in the office:
- “Telecommunications Law and Regulations”.
Paper presented at the Legal Advisers/Law Officers Course organized
by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Government.
- “Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts”. Paper presented to Course
participants at Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos
Campus.
NBA Activities
Paul is a committed and active member of the NBA and the
International Bar Association. He attends most NBA Annual General
Meetings and National Executive Committee (NEC) Meetings. Paul is
an active member of the NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review
Committee set up in 2016. PUC fully sponsored the Elders’ Night of
NBA Lagos Branch 2017 Law week and routinely sponsors Lagos Bar
events. Paul hosted NBA NEC members and senior lawyers in Uyo,
Akwa-Ibom State in November 2014 and responds positively whenever
requested to sponsor and/or participate in Akwa Ibom and Cross
River States’ Bar activities. Paul’s Firm was the sole sponsor of
one of the most attended Break-out sessions at the 2017 NBA
Conference: “Emerging Trends in Global Legal Practice”. PUC paid
for travel costs of the four (4) foreign speakers who made
presentations at the session.
Paul was the pioneer Chairman of the Communications Committee of
the NBA Section of Business Law (“SBL”). Supported by Paul, PUC is
actively involved in the sponsorship of SBL activities. The Firm
produced the Chairman of the SBL between 2010 and 2011, with the
total support of Paul Usoro, SAN.
PUC regularly pays annual practicing fees and branch dues for
its over thirty-five lawyers. Paul has presented several papers at
NBA programs, using the platform to share knowledge with old and
young lawyers. Some of these papers include:
- “Frontloading under Akwa Ibom State High Court (Civil
Procedure) Rules 2009”. Lead Presentation at Joint
Workshop by the 3 Nigerian Bar Association Branches (Uyo, Ikot
Ekpene and Eket) in Akwa Ibom State. - “E-Legal Practice and the Prospects of Litigation in
Nigeria”. Lead Paper presented at a Session of the
Nigerian Bar Association’s Section of Legal Practice Maiden
Conference in Abuja.
- “Licensing Procedures under Communications Act
2003”. Paper presented at the Nigerian Bar Association,
Port Harcourt Branch Bar Seminar/Law Week in Port Harcourt.
- “Emerging Nigerian Communications Industry and the Role
of Lawyers”. Paper presented at the 2004 Annual Conference
of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Abuja.
PUC’s Support for Lawyers’ Wellness
For nine (9) years and counting, PUC sponsors the Lawyers’ Table
Tennis Open (Mfon Usoro Cup), nicknamed the largest sporting event
among lawyers. LTTO is a Table Tennis tournament open to lawyers
from within and outside Lagos. Travel and accommodation cost for
out-of-town lawyers are underwritten by PUC. The 9th
edition of this tournament will hold in October 2017. Prizes
include fully paid return flight ticket to the International Bar
Association (“IBA”) Conferences and other attractive prizes for
2nd and 3rd positions. Training for the
tournament is on-going at the National Stadium, Surulere,
Lagos.
| MALE CATEGORY |
FEMALE CATEGORY |
||||
| RANK | NAME | BAR BRANCH | RANK | BAR BRANCH | |
|
2016 |
|||||
| 1st | KABIR ADELEKE | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA | |
| 2nd | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA |
| 3rd | ADEYINKA ADEREMI | 3RD | TAOFIKAT ODUNUGA | ||
|
2015 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | KABIR ADELEKE | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 3RD | ZAINAB OLABODE-SHODUNKE | LAGOS |
|
2014 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
| 3RD | KABIR ADELEKE | 3RD | ANNE AIMUA | ||
|
2013 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | ADEYINKA ADEYEMI | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | KABIR ADELEKE | 3RD | GANIAT ALLIU | ||
|
2012 |
|||||
| 1ST | ADEYINKA ADEYEMI | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA | |
| 2ND | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
| 3RD | WOLE ODUWOLE | 3RD | 3RD | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA |
|
2011 |
|||||
| 1ST | ODUWOLE OLAWALE | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | MOSHOOD ABDULLAHI | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 3RD | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
|
2010 |
|||||
| 1ST | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | ADEDAYO OSHODI | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | ||
| 3RD | ONYEKA ANIONWU | ||||
|
2009 |
|||||
| 1ST | LEKAN IJELU | IKORODU | |||
| 2ND | DAYO OSHODI | ||||
| 3RD | LOOKMAN AGBOOLA | ||||
| 1ST | LEKAN IJELU | IKORODU | |||
Papers and Scholarly Works
- “Telecommunications Law and Regulations”.
Paper presented at the Legal Advisers/Law Officers Course organized
by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- “Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts”. Paper presented annually
from 2003 to Course participants at Nigerian Institute of Advanced
Legal Studies, Lagos Campus.
- “Frontloading under Akwa Ibom State High Court (Civil
Procedure) Rules 2009”. Lead Presentation at Joint
Workshop by the 3 Nigerian Bar Association Branches (Uyo, Ikot
Ekpene and Eket) in Akwa Ibom State.
- “E-Legal Practice and the Prospects of Litigation in
Nigeria”. Lead Paper presented at a Session of the
Nigerian Bar Association’s Section of Legal Practice Maiden
Conference in Abuja.
- “Licensing Procedures under Communications Act
2003”. Paper presented at the Nigerian Bar Association,
Port Harcourt Branch Bar Seminar/Law Week in Port Harcourt.
- “Emerging Nigerian Communications Industry and the Role
of Lawyers”. Paper presented at the 2004 Annual Conference
of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Abuja.
- Creating an Enabling Legal Environment for Information
Technology. Presented at NITDA organized “E-Nigeria”
Workshop in Abuja. - Nigerian Issues on Interconnectivity
Arrangements. Presented at the International Conference on
Electronic Commerce and Telecommunications in Lagos.
- Commentary on Paper presented by Chief E A O Idowu
titled “Bills of Lading: Practical Implications – Today and
Tomorrow”. Commentary made at 6th Annual
Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja.
- Legal Significance of and Issues on Electronic Bill of
Lading. Presented at the Annual Maritime Seminar for
Judges in Abuja.
- Legal Framework for Introduction of
E-Commerce. Presented at US Embassy organized CTO Week in
Lagos.
- Digital Mobile Licence Auction: The Success Story and
the Challenges therefrom. Presented at the Lagos Business
School in Lagos.
- Drafting Commercial Agreements Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts. Presented at Nigerian
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos.
Personality
Apart from the leadership roles he has undertaken in NBA/SBL
activities, it is a testimony to Mr Usoro’s leadership skills,
integrity, accountability, independent, analytical mind that he has
consistently been given the responsibility of chairing the Audit
Committees of the Boards of Companies he sits on -– a key and
strategic committee of any Board (chairs Airtel’s Board Audit
Committee, chaired Premium Pensions Limited Board Audit Committee
and chaired NBET Board Audit Committee). He is a member of Access
Bank’s Board Audit Committee. His leadership qualities and
illustrious nature is evidenced by the Chairmanship of the Board of
Directors of Marina Securities Ltd.
Paul is a natural leader. Even at a young age, he contested for
and won the Presidency of the Law Society of Ife, becoming the
first student from Nigeria’s ethnic minorities as at that time to
occupy such office. He breaks down barriers and glass ceilings.
Paul is a peoples’ person, a consensus builder and a master
strategist. He knows no stranger, welcomes and accommodates all.
Even where Paul is invited by clients on a salvage mission, he
always encourages the client not to disengage the counsel
previously engaged on the matter prior to his instructions,
promising to work with the counsel for and in the interest of the
client. Paul is known for his ability to effortlessly function as a
team player and a team leader. His keen attention to details and
talent for logical analysis, even under the riotous waves of
pressure, have produced, and will keep producing towering
achievements. As a matter of practice and personal conviction, Paul
believes in and is committed to youth empowerment, diversity and
inclusion. New hires in PUC being post NYSC enjoy six figures start
salaries and are encouraged to tap into the sustainable growth
scheme of the firm. One such counsel grew from entry level post
youth service to the position of a partner. The firm has 2 female
partners. Paul’s hard work, tenacity and industriousness has
catapulted PUC, founded by him in 1985 to one of the top tier law
firms in the country. Paul is a role model for and source of
inspiration to colleagues. He is a man who is unafraid of
challenges; a brother, selfless in his doings; a self-motivated
motivator, a dogged and tenacious fighter who never relents until
he gets a positive result; and these, among other things, have made
him the primus inter pares.
Paul is an extraordinarily intelligent but unassuming master
strategist with the innate ability to associate and connect with
people from all walks of life. His calm mien naturally endears him
to people. His life story does not admit of “impossibilities”, from
a first-generation graduate to a founder of a top tier law firm, to
a boardroom guru, to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to a trail
blazer and mentor for several. Paul’s Midas touch makes him a much
sought-after professional, in Nigeria and internationally. Paul has
a kind heart and a large capacity to empathize. He offers financial
assistance to people in need and those who are not in want. Paul
has withheld consent for the mention of his several charitable
donations and assistance to persons from every ethnic nationality
in Nigeria.
Paul’s tranquil, self-effacing and humble disposition belies his
extensive national and international network of contacts and
friends. He has appeared in court and represented clients in
Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, Malumfashi, Katsina, Jos, Kafanchan, Makurdi,
Minna, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Uyo, Benin, Asaba, Ondo,
Ogun, Ikere-Ekiti, Ibadan etc, and of course, Lagos, and remains
loyal to friends he has made along the way throughout his life and
career. Paul does not hesitate to invite his network of high
net-worth friends to support a course he champions and believes
in.
Paul’s practice has opened up opportunities and relationships
for him with Federal and State institutions, blue chip private
sector companies, international firms and organizations and high
net-worth individuals.
It is notable that all the activities highlighted in this
write-up predates Paul’s decision to contest for the
presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association. His life and actions
demonstrate consistency, propelled by genuine altruism.
Family Life & Hobbies
Paul Usoro, SAN, a devoted and loving husband and father, is
married to Mfon Ekong Usoro and they are blessed with two children,
one of whom is a legal practitioner, a member of the NBA and of the
New York Bar. He likes swimming, jogging and reading.
Paul Usoro, SAN is the Senior Partner and founder of
Paul Usoro & Co (PUC), a top commercial law firm headquartered
in Lagos with offices in Abuja and Uyo. He heads the Advocacy and
Dispute Resolution Practice Group and the Communications Section of
the Firm. Paul Usoro is
variously described as the go-to-counsel for complex matters, be it
litigation or commercial transactions and the foremost
communications lawyer in Nigeria with over 30 years’ experience in
legal practice. He is an active member of the National Executive
Council of the NBA, and a member of the NBA Legal Profession
Regulation Review Committee set up in 2016. He was the founding
chairman of the Communication Committee of the Nigerian Bar
Association’s Section on Business Law. Paul is a consummate board
room player and sits on the Boards of several top companies. He is
a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of
the International Bar Association and the Federal Communications
Bar Association, United States of America.
Background, Training and Qualifications
Paul was born in Ukana Ikot Ntuen town in Essien Udim LGA of
Akwa Ibom State on 07 September 1958. He studied Law at the
University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife), Osun State, Nigeria where he obtained his Bachelor of
Laws degree (with Honours) in 1981. He was called to the Nigerian
Bar in 1982. During his compulsory National Youth Service Corp
(NYSC) he had a stint with the Benue State House of Assembly and
thereafter served at George Uloko & Co in Makurdi where he cut
his teeth in advocacy practice. In 1983, he joined Sani Mohammed
Kuso & Co in Kaduna. His hard work and intellect resulted in a
rapid elevation to Head of Litigation, leading the Firm in complex
litigation matters including about 12 (twelve) House of Assembly
election petitions in Niger State sequel to the 1983 elections and
also the representation of 3 (three) key persons before the Awoniyi
Commission of Inquiry in Niger State in 1984.
In 1985, Paul founded PUC in Kaduna. In 1992, the headquarters
of PUC was established in Lagos with the Kaduna office still
operational until 2003 when the northern operations were
consolidated into a new branch office in Abuja. Today, PUC is a
full-service Nigerian commercial law firm, with its principal
office in Lagos, and 2 branches in F.C.T., Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom
state.
Paul Usoro, SAN was elevated to the Inner Bar as a Senior
Advocate of Nigeria in 2003. Mr Usoro has continued to
develop himself through relevant post graduate executive courses,
including Leadership Best Practices training at
Harvard Business School in Boston, USA and Finance for
Executives Program at the Fontainebleau Campus of
INSEAD in France. In 2001, Paul earned his preferment as
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is a member of
the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.
Paul is a nationally acclaimed litigator and transaction expert
whose expertise covers the entire gamut of commercial practice
including finance, banking, oil and gas, power, election petition
and communications practice areas. He represents domestic and
multinational companies, public agencies, governments and
inter-governmental institutions in various sectors.
Advocacy Experience
Paul’s skills and prowess as a litigator and strategist are
nationally and internationally acknowledged. The rank of Senior
Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is in recognition of his advocacy skills.
Paul’s litigation practice (election petitions, real property,
criminal matters, oil and gas, commercial litigation) cuts across
all the superior courts in Nigeria with a vibrant appellate
experience. A passionate and intellectual advocate – multinational
companies, Nigerian blue-chip companies, political parties/election
candidates and high net worth individuals routinely seek Paul’s
litigation support and experience. A brief highlight of a few
matters handled by him is presented hereunder:
- Paul was pivotal to the recovery of N16billion for Access Bank
Plc in a highly controversial multijurisdictional dispute against a
Nigerian company. The dispute involved multiple complex cases: 8
(eight) within Nigeria and a few others spanning over a number of
jurisdictions including, the United Kingdom, Greece, Netherland and
South Africa. He played the leading role in the negotiation of a
global settlement agreement between the parties.
- Paul was the strategist and coordinating anchor for the defence
of Akwa Ibom State in the Supreme Court oil well matters between
Akwa Ibom State on the one hand and Rivers and Cross River States
respectively on the other hand. These cases were
determined in 2011 and the outcome thereof was Akwa Ibom State’s
retention of most of its oil wells that were the bone of contention
in the suits.
- Paul represented the immediate past Group Managing Director of
Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and the current Group
Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe in a Suit
against the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). The Suit
challenged the statutory powers of FRCN to investigate issues of
mergers and acquisitions and other business combinations and in
particular the acquisition of Intercontinental Bank Plc (IBPLC) by
Access Bank Plc. The Court in an erudite judgment delivered on 24
October 2014, granted all the reliefs claimed and perpetually
restrained FRCN from investigating the acquisition of IBPLC by
Access Bank Plc which was declared a closed transaction.
- Paul represented the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Udom
Gabriel Emmanuel and his political party in about 35 pre-election
lawsuits from 2015, particularly at the Governorship and National
Assembly levels. All the cases were successfully defended by Paul
and his Team. Not a single one of those matters was lost at any of
the Courts.
- Paul was the anchor, strategist and coordinator for the defense
of Governor Udom Emmanuel in the 2015 Election Petition right from
the Tribunal and up to the Supreme Court. The victory at the
Supreme Court indeed vindicated the strategy designed by Paul and
his Team.
- Paul successfully defended the 2015 elections of 11 National
Assembly Members from Akwa Ibom State including those of the
current Senators, at the Tribunals and the Court of Appeal. It is
indeed a testimony to Paul’s legal sagacity and skills that not one
of the election-related matters handled by him was lost in 2011 and
2015.
- Paul championed the amicable resolution of the dispute between
Stanbic IBTC Bank, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria FRCN and
the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion
(NOTAP). Paul’s stellar dispute resolution skills ensured that the
parties resolved the most contentious issues out of court,
following which FRCN issued its written approval of Stanbic IBTC’s
restated 2013 and 2014 Financial Statements.
- Paul successfully defended the Power Holding Company of Nigeria
in an arbitration instituted by the Lagos State Government in
respect of a dispute pertaining to the terms of a Barge Power
Purchase Agreement and a Contribution Agreement. The Lagos
State Government’s claim in the sum of over 12billion Naira was
rejected by the arbitral panel on the basis of PUC’s compelling
submissions.
- Paul played a crucial and leading role in the team that
represented a France-based multinational oil servicing company in a
landmark litigation against a Nigerian company for the recovery of
judgment sums of US$11,628,962.11; US$5,214,939.98;
DM212,252,751.11; N26,349,753.61 and US$7,157,865.87. The judgment
delivered by the Court of Appeal in the second quarter of 2015 has
become a locus classicus in Nigerian
jurisprudence on the principles of subrogation of one party for
another for purposes of realizing a judgment debt. It is
significant to note that Paul was not involved in the proceedings
at the High Court of Lagos State which gave rise to this appeal.
Indeed, he was engaged for a rescue mission after the appeal had
been lodged against the subrogation orders and had to re-engineer
the entire strategy of the case for a successful outcome. It is a
tribute to his skill that the subrogation orders earlier made
against the French Company were completely overturned and it was
found not to be liable howsoever for the judgment debts.
- Paul represented the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom
State, Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON in three (3) 2011
pre-election matters. All 3 matters traversed the rungs of
Nigeria’s superior Courts, starting from the Federal High Court and
terminating at the Supreme Court and the judgments at each point
were in favour of the former Governor.
- As part of the legal team representing the Senate President,
Dr. Olubukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Paul’s
winning litigation strategy totally reversed the narrative
surrounding the much-publicized trial of the Senate President from
hopeless to not guilty. Paul’s strategic cross examination
succeeded in discrediting both the oral and documentary evidence
adduced at trial by the Prosecution. The legal team’s success
resulted in dismissal of the case by the Code of Conduct Tribunal
on the ground that no prima facie case was established
against the Senate President. The success indeed represents a
landmark victory and one of the few instances where a “No Case
Submission” has been upheld in a controversial matter of such
nature.
The advocacy experience of Paul Usoro is very robust and
diverse. Paul leads the Litigation Group of the firm and is
personally involved in representation and drafting of processes for
virtually over 286 matters pending before various superior courts
as at September 2017. The various matters span all the areas of law
including real property, criminal, tort, industrial relations,
election petition, taxation, and commercial litigation.
PAUL USORO, SAN, FCIArb
Transaction Experience
Apart from earning his stripes as a seasoned and exceptionally
skilled advocate, Paul is an experienced transaction lawyer whose
records and accomplishments include the world-acclaimed, first-ever
and all-round successful Nigerian Digital Mobile Spectrum Auction
conducted in 2000. The transaction earned the Federal Government of
Nigeria US$855,000,000.00 for 3 Digital Mobile Licences. Paul is
indeed generally acknowledged as Nigeria’s leading communications
lawyer.
As an ICT law expert, Paul has been involved in virtually all
major transactions and regulatory reforms in the Nigerian
communications sector. In 2003, Paul Usoro drafted the Nigerian
Communications Act 2003, a robust and enduring piece of legislation
that regulates the communications industry till date. He has been
the primary adviser to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
in most of its reform initiatives till date. He served as Legal
Consultant to NCC, and was the only African and the sole Legal
practitioner in the six-member Auction Control Team for the Global
Systems of Mobile Communications (GSM) Spectrum Licence Auction
that introduced Econet Wireless Networks Limited (now Airtel), MTN
Communications Limited and NITEL GSM to the Nigerian market.
Additional core ICT regulatory and transaction experiences are
highlighted hereunder:
- Drafted the Nigerian Communications (Enforcement Processes
etc.) Regulations, 2005; - Drafted the Annual Operating Levy Regulations, 2014;
- Acted as sole legal consultant to the NCC in respect of the
Mobile Number Portability and drafted the Mobile Number Portability
Regulations, 2014 as part of that assignment; - Preparation, on behalf of NCC, of a National Carrier Licence
and an International Gateway Licences for NITEL, a hitherto
unlicensed monopoly; - Acted as lead legal consultants to NCC for the Second National
Operator licensing processes, including the auction and preparation
of the 3 SNO licences; the process produced Globacom Limited as
Nigeria’s Second National Carrier; - Preparation of the Interconnectivity Agreement between NITEL
and licensed private network operators; - Represented NITEL in the negotiation of the Construction and
Management Agreement for the laying of the SAT-3/SAFE/WASC
trans-continental fibre-optic cable project which spans the
sub-Saharan African Continent and extends to Far East Asia through
Southern Africa, with European landing points. This was the
first trans-continental cable project in sub-Saharan Africa.
On account of Paul’s acknowledged eminence as Nigeria’s leading
Communications Lawyer, Akwa Ibom State Government appointed and
relied on him to manage its portfolio investment in Airtel in 2001.
Paul negotiated this investment, valued as at the date of entry at
the sum of US$75,000,000.00. Up to May 2006, Paul sat on the
Board of Airtel as a Director representing Akwa Ibom State.
Akwa Ibom State Government cashed out most of its investments in
this enterprise in 2006, in the transaction by which Celtel BV
successfully invested over US$1,000,000,000, by way of share
purchase from existing shareholders and injected fresh capital into
Airtel (“Celtel Transaction”), which transaction was chiefly
negotiated by Paul. The State indeed made multiple returns on its
investment amount.
Paul led the Airtel Shareholders Committee in negotiating the
Celtel Transaction as the Committee Chairman, which, at the time,
ranked as one of the biggest private sector equity transactions in
Nigeria’s history. Paul represented the interest of all the
shareholders which included three Nigerian State Governments and
blue-chip corporate citizens like First Assets Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. It is a
testimony to Paul’s leadership quality that Celtel BV insisted
after the Transaction that he remains on the Board even though Akwa
Ibom State Government whom he initially represented had about sold
out completely from the Company.
Celtel BV in 2010 sold out its equity entirely to the
Bharti-Airtel Group of India resulting again in the reorganization
of the Airtel Board. Again, Bharti-Airtel, the new 65% owners
of Airtel insisted that Paul remains on the Board of the Company
where, as at date, he chairs the only Committee of the Board i.e.
the Audit Committee.
A founding Secretary General, Telecommunications Law
Association, Mr Usoro was named ‘Best Pan African Telecoms Lawyer
of All Times’ by the IT and Telecom Digest, Nigeria’s leading and
one of Africa’s foremost ICT magazines.
Boardroom Experience
Paul is a consummate boardroom person whose deep analytical mind
and illustrious leadership skills are well appreciated in all the
Boards he sits. He has, at various times, served on the Boards of
several companies such as Premium Pensions Ltd, CR Services (Credit
Bureau) Plc (representing Zenith Bank Plc), Nigerian Bulk
Electricity Trading Plc and currently sits on the Boards of PZ
Cussons Plc, Airtel Networks Limited, Marina Securities Ltd and
Access Bank Plc. Paul is a pioneer director of Airtel Nigeria
Limited, Nigeria’s leading mobile telephone company, having been
appointed to the Company’s Board in 2001, then known as
Econet Wireless Networks Limited; the company has over the years
undergone major ownership and structural changes prior to being
acquired by Bharti Airtel of India in 2010. Paul is the only
surviving pioneer director of the company and has headed the
Board’s Audit Committee since the entry of Bharti Airtel till
date.
A director of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading banks,
from 2014, Paul chairs the Board’s Remuneration Committee and
Governance & Nomination Committee. He also serves as a member
of the Board’s Audit Committee, Risk Management Committee and
Credit & Finance Committee. Paul was appointed as a director of
PZ Cussons in 2011; he chairs the People & Governance Committee
of the Board.
Between 2008 and 2014, Paul served as a director on the Board of
Premium Pensions Limited, a leading Nigerian pension funds
administrator and was, throughout the entire period, the Chairman
of the Board’s Audit Committee. He also served on the Board of CR
Services (Credit Bureau) Plc, Nigeria’s credit-rating organization,
representing Zenith Bank Plc thereat. Paul has served on the
Board of Marina Securities Limited since 2011 and is currently the
Chairman of the Company.
Public Service
The erstwhile President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR,
in 2011, appointed Paul a pioneer director on the board of Nigerian
Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) – Nigeria’s sole power trading
organization, fully-owned by the Federal Government of
Nigeria. The NBET Board was, at that time chaired by the then
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the
Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with the Minister of Power as a
member. Paul was also the pioneer Chairman of the NBET
Board’s Audit Committee.
In 2012, Paul was appointed by the Minister of Communications
Technology into a select Ministerial Committee for the review of
Nigeria’s ICT Policy and he played a key role in that Committee’s
work, which final work product was approved by the Federal
Executive Council.
Paul is on the Faculty of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced
Legal Studies as an astute trainer on telecommunications law and
practice. Accordingly, he has delivered several papers at NIALS’
workshops, seminars and training sessions. To mention but a few,
the following papers were personally presented by Paul while about
5 (five) papers, due to conflict in schedule, were presented on his
behalf by his colleagues in the office:
- “Telecommunications Law and Regulations”.
Paper presented at the Legal Advisers/Law Officers Course organized
by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
Government.
- “Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts”. Paper presented to Course
participants at Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos
Campus.
NBA Activities
Paul is a committed and active member of the NBA and the
International Bar Association. He attends most NBA Annual General
Meetings and National Executive Committee (NEC) Meetings. Paul is
an active member of the NBA Legal Profession Regulation Review
Committee set up in 2016. PUC fully sponsored the Elders’ Night of
NBA Lagos Branch 2017 Law week and routinely sponsors Lagos Bar
events. Paul hosted NBA NEC members and senior lawyers in Uyo,
Akwa-Ibom State in November 2014 and responds positively whenever
requested to sponsor and/or participate in Akwa Ibom and Cross
River States’ Bar activities. Paul’s Firm was the sole sponsor of
one of the most attended Break-out sessions at the 2017 NBA
Conference: “Emerging Trends in Global Legal Practice”. PUC paid
for travel costs of the four (4) foreign speakers who made
presentations at the session.
Paul was the pioneer Chairman of the Communications Committee of
the NBA Section of Business Law (“SBL”). Supported by Paul, PUC is
actively involved in the sponsorship of SBL activities. The Firm
produced the Chairman of the SBL between 2010 and 2011, with the
total support of Paul Usoro, SAN.
PUC regularly pays annual practicing fees and branch dues for
its over thirty-five lawyers. Paul has presented several papers at
NBA programs, using the platform to share knowledge with old and
young lawyers. Some of these papers include:
- “Frontloading under Akwa Ibom State High Court (Civil
Procedure) Rules 2009”. Lead Presentation at Joint
Workshop by the 3 Nigerian Bar Association Branches (Uyo, Ikot
Ekpene and Eket) in Akwa Ibom State. - “E-Legal Practice and the Prospects of Litigation in
Nigeria”. Lead Paper presented at a Session of the
Nigerian Bar Association’s Section of Legal Practice Maiden
Conference in Abuja.
- “Licensing Procedures under Communications Act
2003”. Paper presented at the Nigerian Bar Association,
Port Harcourt Branch Bar Seminar/Law Week in Port Harcourt.
- “Emerging Nigerian Communications Industry and the Role
of Lawyers”. Paper presented at the 2004 Annual Conference
of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Abuja.
PUC’s Support for Lawyers’ Wellness
For nine (9) years and counting, PUC sponsors the Lawyers’ Table
Tennis Open (Mfon Usoro Cup), nicknamed the largest sporting event
among lawyers. LTTO is a Table Tennis tournament open to lawyers
from within and outside Lagos. Travel and accommodation cost for
out-of-town lawyers are underwritten by PUC. The 9th
edition of this tournament will hold in October 2017. Prizes
include fully paid return flight ticket to the International Bar
Association (“IBA”) Conferences and other attractive prizes for
2nd and 3rd positions. Training for the
tournament is on-going at the National Stadium, Surulere,
Lagos.
| MALE CATEGORY |
FEMALE CATEGORY |
||||
| RANK | NAME | BAR BRANCH | RANK | BAR BRANCH | |
|
2016 |
|||||
| 1st | KABIR ADELEKE | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA | |
| 2nd | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA |
| 3rd | ADEYINKA ADEREMI | 3RD | TAOFIKAT ODUNUGA | ||
|
2015 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | KABIR ADELEKE | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 3RD | ZAINAB OLABODE-SHODUNKE | LAGOS |
|
2014 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
| 3RD | KABIR ADELEKE | 3RD | ANNE AIMUA | ||
|
2013 |
|||||
| 1ST | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | ADEYINKA ADEYEMI | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | KABIR ADELEKE | 3RD | GANIAT ALLIU | ||
|
2012 |
|||||
| 1ST | ADEYINKA ADEYEMI | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA | |
| 2ND | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
| 3RD | WOLE ODUWOLE | 3RD | 3RD | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA |
|
2011 |
|||||
| 1ST | ODUWOLE OLAWALE | LAGOS | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | MOSHOOD ABDULLAHI | 2ND | YETUNDE MARTINS | IKEJA | |
| 3RD | TUNJI ABDULHAMEED | LAGOS | 3RD | SUSAN EZEIKPE | |
|
2010 |
|||||
| 1ST | OLUSEGUN FABUNMI | IKEJA | 1ST | TITILAYO OSAGIE | IKEJA |
| 2ND | ADEDAYO OSHODI | 2ND | SUSAN EZEIKPE | ||
| 3RD | ONYEKA ANIONWU | ||||
|
2009 |
|||||
| 1ST | LEKAN IJELU | IKORODU | |||
| 2ND | DAYO OSHODI | ||||
| 3RD | LOOKMAN AGBOOLA | ||||
| 1ST | LEKAN IJELU | IKORODU | |||
Papers and Scholarly Works
- “Telecommunications Law and Regulations”.
Paper presented at the Legal Advisers/Law Officers Course organized
by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- “Drafting Commercial Agreements and Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts”. Paper presented annually
from 2003 to Course participants at Nigerian Institute of Advanced
Legal Studies, Lagos Campus.
- “Frontloading under Akwa Ibom State High Court (Civil
Procedure) Rules 2009”. Lead Presentation at Joint
Workshop by the 3 Nigerian Bar Association Branches (Uyo, Ikot
Ekpene and Eket) in Akwa Ibom State.
- “E-Legal Practice and the Prospects of Litigation in
Nigeria”. Lead Paper presented at a Session of the
Nigerian Bar Association’s Section of Legal Practice Maiden
Conference in Abuja.
- “Licensing Procedures under Communications Act
2003”. Paper presented at the Nigerian Bar Association,
Port Harcourt Branch Bar Seminar/Law Week in Port Harcourt.
- “Emerging Nigerian Communications Industry and the Role
of Lawyers”. Paper presented at the 2004 Annual Conference
of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Abuja.
- Creating an Enabling Legal Environment for Information
Technology. Presented at NITDA organized “E-Nigeria”
Workshop in Abuja. - Nigerian Issues on Interconnectivity
Arrangements. Presented at the International Conference on
Electronic Commerce and Telecommunications in Lagos.
- Commentary on Paper presented by Chief E A O Idowu
titled “Bills of Lading: Practical Implications – Today and
Tomorrow”. Commentary made at 6th Annual
Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja.
- Legal Significance of and Issues on Electronic Bill of
Lading. Presented at the Annual Maritime Seminar for
Judges in Abuja.
- Legal Framework for Introduction of
E-Commerce. Presented at US Embassy organized CTO Week in
Lagos.
- Digital Mobile Licence Auction: The Success Story and
the Challenges therefrom. Presented at the Lagos Business
School in Lagos.
- Drafting Commercial Agreements Banking Documents:
Telecommunications Contracts. Presented at Nigerian
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Lagos.
Personality
Apart from the leadership roles he has undertaken in NBA/SBL
activities, it is a testimony to Mr Usoro’s leadership skills,
integrity, accountability, independent, analytical mind that he has
consistently been given the responsibility of chairing the Audit
Committees of the Boards of Companies he sits on -– a key and
strategic committee of any Board (chairs Airtel’s Board Audit
Committee, chaired Premium Pensions Limited Board Audit Committee
and chaired NBET Board Audit Committee). He is a member of Access
Bank’s Board Audit Committee. His leadership qualities and
illustrious nature is evidenced by the Chairmanship of the Board of
Directors of Marina Securities Ltd.
Paul is a natural leader. Even at a young age, he contested for
and won the Presidency of the Law Society of Ife, becoming the
first student from Nigeria’s ethnic minorities as at that time to
occupy such office. He breaks down barriers and glass ceilings.
Paul is a peoples’ person, a consensus builder and a master
strategist. He knows no stranger, welcomes and accommodates all.
Even where Paul is invited by clients on a salvage mission, he
always encourages the client not to disengage the counsel
previously engaged on the matter prior to his instructions,
promising to work with the counsel for and in the interest of the
client. Paul is known for his ability to effortlessly function as a
team player and a team leader. His keen attention to details and
talent for logical analysis, even under the riotous waves of
pressure, have produced, and will keep producing towering
achievements. As a matter of practice and personal conviction, Paul
believes in and is committed to youth empowerment, diversity and
inclusion. New hires in PUC being post NYSC enjoy six figures start
salaries and are encouraged to tap into the sustainable growth
scheme of the firm. One such counsel grew from entry level post
youth service to the position of a partner. The firm has 2 female
partners. Paul’s hard work, tenacity and industriousness has
catapulted PUC, founded by him in 1985 to one of the top tier law
firms in the country. Paul is a role model for and source of
inspiration to colleagues. He is a man who is unafraid of
challenges; a brother, selfless in his doings; a self-motivated
motivator, a dogged and tenacious fighter who never relents until
he gets a positive result; and these, among other things, have made
him the primus inter pares.
Paul is an extraordinarily intelligent but unassuming master
strategist with the innate ability to associate and connect with
people from all walks of life. His calm mien naturally endears him
to people. His life story does not admit of “impossibilities”, from
a first-generation graduate to a founder of a top tier law firm, to
a boardroom guru, to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to a trail
blazer and mentor for several. Paul’s Midas touch makes him a much
sought-after professional, in Nigeria and internationally. Paul has
a kind heart and a large capacity to empathize. He offers financial
assistance to people in need and those who are not in want. Paul
has withheld consent for the mention of his several charitable
donations and assistance to persons from every ethnic nationality
in Nigeria.
Paul’s tranquil, self-effacing and humble disposition belies his
extensive national and international network of contacts and
friends. He has appeared in court and represented clients in
Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, Malumfashi, Katsina, Jos, Kafanchan, Makurdi,
Minna, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Uyo, Benin, Asaba, Ondo,
Ogun, Ikere-Ekiti, Ibadan etc, and of course, Lagos, and remains
loyal to friends he has made along the way throughout his life and
career. Paul does not hesitate to invite his network of high
net-worth friends to support a course he champions and believes
in.
Paul’s practice has opened up opportunities and relationships
for him with Federal and State institutions, blue chip private
sector companies, international firms and organizations and high
net-worth individuals.
It is notable that all the activities highlighted in this
write-up predates Paul’s decision to contest for the
presidency of the Nigerian Bar Association. His life and actions
demonstrate consistency, propelled by genuine altruism.
Family Life & Hobbies
Paul Usoro, SAN, a devoted and loving husband and father, is
married to Mfon Ekong Usoro and they are blessed with two children,
one of whom is a legal practitioner, a member of the NBA and of the
New York Bar. He likes swimming, jogging and reading.
Read more https://www.nairalaw.com/profile-of-paul-usoro-san-fciarb/