Seun Bakare, a highly regarded legal and corporate affairs expert, has emerged as a key figure in Nigeria’s corporate and legal sectors, particularly within the oil and gas industry. With over 15 years of experience, she has established herself as a leader in corporate governance and business process improvement, significantly contributing to the success of Obat Oil and Petroleum Limited.
As the Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Obat Oil, Seun plays a critical role in managing the company’s legal complexities in the heavily regulated oil and gas sector. Her in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks and proactive legal strategies ensure compliance with maritime regulations, labor laws, and industry standards. She serves as the company’s liaison with regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). This expertise has been key to maintaining Obat Oil’s legal integrity and protecting its reputation.
One of Seun’s notable achievements at Obat is her leadership in improving the company’s operational efficiency by 90%. She has driven process optimization initiatives, identified operational gaps, and implemented solutions that have streamlined business operations while ensuring robust legal and regulatory compliance. Additionally, her management of the company’s debt profile and oversight of financial transactions have strengthened fiscal discipline, earning her the trust of internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Seun also holds the position of Group Company Secretary, where she oversees corporate governance and ensures that legal documents, agreements, and transactions align with the company’s strategic objectives. Her responsibilities extend to advising on human resource matters, ensuring the recruitment and training of staff are in line with the company’s long-term goals.
Before joining Obat Oil, Seun developed her legal expertise at Lateef Fagbemi SAN & Co., where she gained valuable experience in litigation, legal drafting, and court representation. This litigation background has equipped her with a deep understanding of corporate legal practice, enabling her to blend legal acumen with business strategy in her current role.
Seun’s commitment to continuous professional development is evident in her impressive educational credentials and certifications. A graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian Law School, she has pursued additional training in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Analysis, and Project Management. Her certifications as a Scrum Master and in Business Analysis have enhanced her ability to integrate legal strategies with modern business solutions. Most recently, she earned a Project Governance and Project Management Office (PMO) certification from Open University, further solidifying her position as a leader in corporate governance and legal project management.
Seun Bakare’s contributions to Obat Oil and the broader legal landscape in Nigeria highlight her as a trailblazer, merging legal expertise with business innovation to drive sustained corporate growth and regulatory compliance.