In House Legal Counsel at Electronic PayPlus Limited

Objective

The purpose of this framework is to establish the need, role definition, and engagement parameters for employing an In-House Legal Counsel at Electronic Payplus Limited. The position is designed to strengthen the company’s legal, regulatory, and compliance structure while ensuring that all corporate and business activities are conducted within applicable laws and industry standards.

Justification for Role

Given the company’s expanding business operations, increasing contractual engagements, and growing regulatory obligations, there is a clear need to have a dedicated in-house legal professional to:

• Provide timely legal advisory support to management.
• Mitigate risks associated with contracts, agreements, and external engagements.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Support Board and company secretariat functions to ensure good corporate governance.
• Reduce dependence on external solicitors, thereby optimizing cost efficiency.

Reports To: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Experience Level: Minimum of 5 years post-call experience, including demonstrable company secretarial experience.
Compensation: ₦500,000 Gross Monthly Salary and other statutory benefits

 Key Responsibilities

Legal Advisory & Contract Management

• Draft, review, and vet all company contracts, MoUs, NDAs, and service-level agreements.
• Provide legal opinions and guidance on business decisions, partnerships, and commercial transactions.
• Manage litigation and liaise with external solicitors to ensure effective representation of company interests.
• Develop and maintain a contract management database to monitor key terms, renewals, and obligations.

Company Secretariat Functions

• Serve as Company Secretary to the Board of Directors.
• Prepare and circulate Board and Committee meeting notices, agenda, and minutes.
• Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely filing of returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Ensure Board governance practices are compliant with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor and ensure compliance with laws and regulations applicable to EPL’s operations, including those from:
  • Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
  • National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
  • Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
  • Financial Reporting Council (FRC)
  • Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State Tax Authorities
• Conduct regular compliance audits and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop and implement a compliance calendar to track deadlines for filings, renewals, and statutory submissions.

Policy & Governance Framework

• Draft, review, and update internal policies 
• Conduct staff sensitization and training sessions on corporate governance and compliance obligations.
• Support risk management by identifying and advising on potential legal exposures.

Stakeholder & Regulatory Liaison

• Serve as liaison with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and industry associations.
• Coordinate timely responses to regulatory queries, investigations, or audits.
• Support the management team during negotiations, tenders, and due diligence processes.

Legal Documentation & Records Management

• Maintain a comprehensive legal documentation system (electronic and physical).
• Ensure all corporate documents — such as incorporation documents, board resolutions, licenses, and approvals — are up-to-date and properly archived.

Competency Requirements

• LL. B, B.L, and valid call to the Nigerian Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years post-call experience, preferably in a corporate organization or law firm.
• Proven company secretarial experience and familiarity with CAC filings.
• Strong knowledge of commercial law, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent written, communication, and negotiation skills.
• High ethical standards, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and accuracy of legal advisory support.
• Compliance status with regulatory bodies.
• Reduction in legal exposure or penalties.
• Effectiveness of governance and Board secretariat support.
• Cost savings achieved from reduced external legal spend.

Reporting & Evaluation

The In-House Legal Counsel shall report directly to the Managing Director/CEO and provide periodic reports on legal and compliance activities, risk exposures, and status of ongoing matters.
Performance reviews will be conducted bi-annually in line with company policy.

Implementation Plan

• Approval: Obtain management approval for the role and framework.
• Recruitment: Advertise and shortlist qualified candidates.
• Selection: Conduct interviews.
• Onboarding: Provide structured induction into company operations, policies, and governance systems.

Expected Benefits from role

• Improved turnaround time for legal reviews and regulatory responses.
• Enhanced governance and compliance culture.
• Better risk mitigation and legal cost management.
• Strengthened reputation with regulators, partners, and clients.