The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars is a list celebrating the remarkable achievements of a select group of women across Africa’s energy sector, such as Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, Managing Partner at Campos Mentis Legal Practitioners. With a mandate to provide cutting-edge legal services to individuals and companies, Nigerian-based Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners is dedicated to business support, quality results and responsible practices. The African Energy Chamber spoke to Dafe-Akpedeye about her success and future aspirations.
Could you provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
I started off my career working in the oil and gas department of a leading law firm in Nigeria. One of my proudest moments as a young lawyer was being in a team that advised a top tier indigenous oil and gas company on its acquisition of a 22% working interest and operatorship right in an oil mining lease. The issues surrounding this acquisition eventually led to a dispute and I was integral to the team that drafted and appeared in court over the ownership dispute.
Fast-forward to my current role as Managing Partner, I routinely lead my team to represent international energy companies in complex disputes involving the local communities and government agencies. One of my most important wins was against the House of Representatives, successfully protecting my client against the legislature’s undue incursion into its rights to award and terminate contracts.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
One issue that I face as a lawyer is the constant changes in laws and regulations in the energy space. For instance, in Nigeria since the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act and changes in the names and constitution of the regulators, the industry has been inundated by a barrage of laws and regulations.
As an advisor to energy companies, it is vital that I stay on top of these processes. For instance, with the introduction of Host Community Development Boards and regulations governing the use of the oil revenues allocated to these boards, I ensure that my team and I are constantly reviewing the laws, attending seminars where necessary and proactively advising our clients on being in step with the laws and regulations.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
You must enjoy what you do. If not, it will become a drag and it will be difficult to be motivated and keep going when you hit roadblocks. We must actively seek knowledge to understand new trends, technologies, laws and regulations. Also, get a mentor and help other younger women through coaching and mentorship. Finally, always say, “not today” to that hovering “imposter syndrome”. Women are known to doubt themselves and think they are not good enough to be in the same room as the movers and shakers of industry. Tell yourself, you deserve to be there, hold your head up high and walk boldly into the room.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
As a business owner with offices in three of the largest cities in Nigeria, my day can change in the blink of an eye. Depending on the client’s demands, I may have to travel to various cities for court sittings, meetings and briefings. However, where there is no urgency, I am able to structure my month by dividing my time between at least two of my office locations; spending time engaging with my staff, existing clients and other stakeholders; focusing on bringing in new business; and developing the firm’s strategy and tactics.
Looking ahead, what advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
The rise of the use of renewables especially in the energy sector may see a resurgence in regulations to manage issues in that space. In several African countries, many domestic consumers of energy are installing solar panels, inverters and batteries. In the coming years, disputes are sure to arise regarding installations, product liability, et al. My role will be to advise the parties – renewable energy companies and consumers – on their rights and obligations, as well as assist in handling any disputes that may arise in such transactions, by applying my expertise in mediation, arbitration and litigation.
