Kemi Ajumobi 
Boma Alabi, OON, SAN is a Senior Partner of Primera Africa Legal (PAL). She leads PAL’s Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice.
In addition to being an experienced arbitrator and accredited civil and commercial mediator, Boma specialises in international tax law, maritime law, mergers & acquisitions and capital market transactions. She has advised on some of Nigeria’s leading commercial deals in a number of sectors including real estate and infrastructure, manufacturing, banking, hospitality, telecommunications, maritime, energy, project funding and development.
She served as the President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association 2011- 2013, the first and only woman President in the over 50-years history of this association of lawyers from 54 countries, across 7 continents. She was a Council Member of the Board of the Royal Commonwealth Society and also served as the Chairman of the Association of Women Solicitors of England and Wales between 2005/2006. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and the ICC.
She served a 3-year term on the Board of ALFA International, an international network of law firms with its headquarters in Chicago. She is currently the Chairman of Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) as well as the President of Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SSACFEA).
In addition, Boma serves as an INED on the Board of ARM Harith and Cowry Assets Management. She also serves on the Board Committees of ARM Harith Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee (RNGC) and ARM Harith Board Audit & Risk Committee (BARC). She is on the Board of Cowry Asset Investment, F&GP Committee. She is Chairman of Cowry Finance Limited and also serves on the Advisory Board of WISCAR, a not for profit structured mentoring organisation.
Being first and only woman President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association in its 50+ year history
I was the first female president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, an association of lawyers from over 56 nations, over a decade ago. So it is so sad that up to date, we have not had another female president. But it is also not very difficult to understand why. It took a lot of resources. to get to that stage of leadership in the organisation. I was attending all the conferences in various countries across continents. I served on the executive committee for years and travelled for meetings and colloquiums. There were no sponsorships, no free tickets or expenses paid by the organisation. I had to cover all of those expenses myself. So I can understand why not many women are in a position to, even contemplate vying for the position of President of the Commonwealth Association.
How your roles across multiple jurisdictions and organisations influence how you lead
I have worked in different jurisdictions, across continents, and in so doing, I have been in leadership positions as a partner, in London, and here in Nigeria, with offices in Lagos and Abuja, from where we cover the entire country. So, how this has influenced my leadership style is, I have learnt that those who are ambitious and those who are go-getters, whatever jurisdiction they’re in, they will push for excellence, they are focused and intentional about their careers, they are productive and always go the extra mile. And in that attitude lies the winners from amongst us in all jurisdictions. I quickly learnt that you cannot push someone who is not motivated and not a self starter. And so the sooner you take them out of your team, the better, because they will continue to underperform.
Rate Nigeria’s legal system in how it sees and treats women lawyers
Nigeria is an extremely patriarchal society, so, you find that women make career choices based on the work-life balance as a result of which many women lawyers opt for the bench. This is because of the certainty of hours and pay, and a lot of other matrix in the bench as opposed to the bar. So, for instance, currently, the chief justice of Nigeria is a woman, the president of the Court of Appeal is a woman, and we have so many female judges at all levels of judicial service.
Balancing risk, regulatory expectations, and business objectives in high-stakes projects
Well, that is something you do in conjunction with your client and other stakeholders in the project. Your role is to ensure there’s a regulatory and legal framework around that project. And then to ensure that you minimise the risk to your client and ensure that the risk that cannot be minimised is properly and appropriately parked with the right party, who is best equipped to deal with it.
What makes a great lawyer?
I would say, what makes a great lawyer is your ability to listen and take instructions from your client. Your ability to dissect the issues and provide solutions. And finally, your ability to communicate with clarity, communicate in simple language that your client will understand.
Embracing modern tech tools and processes in law. What are you learning personally?
It’s really important to embrace modern technology tools and processes to give your best in practice. AI tools, I find, enhance productivity and enhance your bandwidth, your ability to do more work. Ultimately, however, you control what you feed into the AI tools, and in so doing, also control the outcome. And, of course, you must verify, you must not be totally 100% reliant on those tools. They are tools. They are not meant to take over from the lawyer. If you approach it from that perspective, you will find them extremely useful. I certainly find them extremely useful. Copilot is my best friend, and we interact multiple times every day.
What irks you about people being oppressed when the law is available? How important is it to know one’s rights?
What I find really frustrating about people being oppressed when the law is available, is that the people themselves are not willing to use the law and the tools available to them to enforce their rights. I’ll give you an example, the Freedom of Information Act has been passed for donkey years, and yet, how many Nigerian citizens have taken advantage of that Act? To hold the local government, the state and federal government, depending on what level it is, accountable to them? Citizens should be demanding their budget, demanding to know what they are doing with their money, and so on. No one is. Also,I have personal experience with people who have been victims of medical negligence or a relative has died as a result of that, and you offer them pro bono legal representation. Guess what Kemi? They will say no, they leave it to God. This is really very frustrating because God has given us the tools to seek and access justice at the human level before we start going for divine justice, but we choose not to use it.
In mentoring a young lawyer entering corporate law today, what 3 pieces of advice would you give?
If I could mentor a young lawyer entering corporate practice today, the 1st thing I’ll say to that young lawyer is, learn to listen. Because if you don’t listen properly and understand your instructions, you’re going to hare off in the wrong direction. The 2nd piece of advice would be to ensure that you do your research thoroughly before you give any advice to your client, because they are not going to double check what you’ve told them. They will be relying on you. Wrong advice can lead to very expensive consequences. The 3rd would be, learn how to communicate both in writing, and in the room. So your drafting skills must be at the absolute tops, and you must continue to enhance it, to stay at the top of your game.
Most important leadership lesson you’ve learnt from serving on diverse boards, and how would you pass it on?
I have served on diverse boards in Nigeria, United States Of America and of course the United Kingdom as well. My number one essential is that you must make it a priority to understand the business of the company on whose board you’re serving. This is essential in order for you to properly contribute as an independent non executive director. Listen to your management, listen to your chair, listen to the other board members, ask for training, and that, in turn, will assist you to serve competently and give your best to the company. Secondly, I would say that it is also important that you speak up and share your thoughts on the various issues under consideration in the meetings. Don’t be put off by the fact that you may be the minority voice. That is the purpose of your being on that board in the first place.
As Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria, how is the association addressing challenges of port congestion, and what measures can shippers implement to minimise delays?
Delays in the ports are largely due to the agencies in those ports. We have customs there, NDLEA is there, we have Standards Organisation of Nigeria, NAFDAC, various regulatory agencies are in the ports, causing bottlenecks. It’s not that way in ports in other countries. So, we need to streamline the number of agencies in the ports. We also need the Nigerian Ports Authority to take its duty of providing towage and pilotage vessels more seriously. They must ensure they’re in working order to bring the ships in and out of harbor. All of those things are causing delays. Sometimes, there’s also congestion in the terminals, which results in vessels being unable to berth and offload. So, all of the elements along the chain need to be efficient in order to reduce the delay in our ports and reduce the cost to the shippers.
Association’s stance on local-content requirements and capacity building for Nigerian maritime talent
The shipping industry, as a whole, would obviously welcome Nigerian maritime talent. However, do bear in mind, the way shipping works, the vessels are literally going around the world. They are not focused on any one country or one national issue. The fact is, it really goes back to the government. With the Blue and Marine economy to take a strategic look at the industry and then assist Nigerians in training and capacity building and funding, to enable them to take their place in the sector.
Being Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria
I have been chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria for nearly 4 years now, and it has been really interesting, really rewarding and as a matter of fact, I am effectively the voice of the industry, to the government, to other stakeholders and regulatory agencies. I communicate and engage to ameliorate the challenges that the industry faces and in so doing try to work through those challenges with the appropriate authorities in the marine and blue economy.
Top three strategic initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s port efficiency and reduce turnaround times for ships
1. Streamline the number of agencies in the ports and drastically reduce them to 3 or 4, maximum.
2. Upgrade the terminal facilities so that they can offload larger vessels, fast!
3. Buy new tugboats and pilot boats to ensure efficiency and avoid the constant maintenance problems we are seeing currently.
The Big 60. Tell us about turning 60 and what it means to you, what you look forward to and the importance of legacy
Well, I am 60 years old, and 60 is no different than 50, to be honest, Or 40, or 30. The only difference here is that I’m looking back and thinking, okay, career wise, there’s nowhere else for me to go. I’m a Senior Advocate of Nigeria now. That is the apex in terms of hierarchy in the profession. But from a professional perspective, I want to see the law being used more and more often to protect the constitutional rights of the citizen, our rights to life, our rights to security, our rights to education, and all of those things. So you will see more of those sorts of cases being filed for judicial review from my end. On a personal side, I would say my only ambition now and what I do, going forward, from age 60 onwards, is quite simply the pursuit of happiness. That also goes to what life mantras I live by, which is, like I said, the pursuit of happiness.
Nigeria’s legal system and hope for the citizenry
Yes, access to justice has always been a challenge, because there’s a cost to dispensation of justice. And until we begin to provide properly, budget wise, it will always be a challenge. But at the same time, it’s understandable, because we are in a 3rd world country, where the government is yet to provide water, the basic necessities of life, and essential infrastructure for the citizens. Naturally, financing access to justice would be far lower down the scale in terms of importance for the very limited resources. So, it’s definitely going to continue to be a challenge for a while.
HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY BOMA ALABI OON SAN
Celebrating Boma Alabi at 60
It gives me immense pleasure to celebrate my dear friend and colleague, Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN, OON on the occasion of her 60th birthday.
Boma’s life and career embody excellence, courage, resilience, and service. As one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal practitioners, she has distinguished herself through professional competence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Beyond her remarkable professional achievements, what I admire most about Boma is her generosity of spirit and her commitment to lifting others.
At WISCAR, we have been privileged to benefit from her wisdom, guidance, and steadfast support. As a valued member of our Advisory Board and Vice Chair of the Women in Law Mentoring Programme Steering Committee, Boma has played an important role in shaping initiatives that are helping to prepare and empower the next generation of women leaders in law.
As she celebrates this milestone birthday, we honour not only her professional accomplishments but also the impact she has made on people, institutions, and society. She has shown that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the lives touched and opportunities created for others.
On behalf of the WISCAR family and myself, I warmly congratulate Boma on her 60th birthday. May this new decade bring her continued joy, good health, fulfilment, and even greater opportunities to make a difference.
Happy 60th Birthday, Boma. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many of us.
Amina Oyagbola
Founder and Chairperson, WISCAR
Happy 60th Birthday To Boma Alabi OON, SAN
Today, we celebrate 60 years of grace, grit, and accomplishment.
I celebrate the remarkable woman that you are. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a valued member of the WISCAR Advisory Board and Vice-Chair of the Women in Law Mentoring Programme, Steering Committee. Over the years you have been a worthy model for young professional women to follow. You lead with professionalism, firmness and a heart of warmth.
You have shown that strength and compassion can sit at the same table. That excellence does not have to cost you your kindness. You have achieved so much and you are many things to many people. To me you are a good friend, colleague and Sister.
As you step into this new decade, my prayer for you is simple: continued success in all your endeavours, good health and prosperity that overflows to everyone you touch.
Thank you for the example you set. Thank you for the wisdom you share. Here’s to 60, and to many more chapters of impact, joy, and good health.
With best wishes
Hon. Toki Mabogunje
Happy 60th Birthday, BOMA ALABI SAN
A BLESSING. A LEADER. A SISTER at 60 and Gloriously You!
She rises to every occasion with grace, strength and brilliance. A true example of excellence and a life well-lived.
Thank you for being such an incredible part of my life. You are more than a friend—you are family. A sister in every sense of the word. I celebrate you today and always.
Happy 60th Birthday, my sister, my friend!
With love always,
Habiba Balogun
Principal Consultant, HB Consulting
HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO AN INSPIRING LEADER AND MENTOR – BOMA ALABI, OON, SAN
I celebrate not just your birthday, but your extraordinary ability to lead, influence, and empower.
Your guidance and dedication set a remarkable example for us all. Your leadership, humility, and passion have touched countless lives and opened doors of opportunity for so many of us.
May your life be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments and may the coming years reward you with good health, and well-deserved happiness.
Thank you for being such an incredible boss and mentor. We are always grateful for your wisdom and guidance.
Happy 60th Birthday, Learned Silk!
Mu’awiya Yunusa, Esq.
Partner-Primera Africa Legal.
Happy Birthday Learned Silk. At this diamond age, I pray that you will fulfill the length of your days in good health, abundance and joy. May lines continue to fall in pleasant places for you in Jesus Name🙏
Barr. Smart Iwu
Partner and Head of Chambers
Primera Africa Legal
