CHINEDU ALBERT

Lead comprehensive legal, regulatory, and strategic transactional matters for Husk's Nigeria operations, directly advising Country Director and VP, Business Development (West Africa) to ensure operational compliance and strategic growth.

Directed critical regulatory engagement with NERC, Rural Electrification Agency, and state electricity commissions, securing permits and ensuring compliance with NERC Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 and Electricity Act 2023 for ongoing operations.

Structured, drafted, and negotiated complex Power Purchase Agreements, Interconnection Agreements, and EPC contracts across diverse minigrid deployments, facilitating successful project execution and expansion.

Supported multi-million dollar project finance transactions with leading development finance partners (IFC, EIB, ElectriFI, World Bank DARES), managing due diligence and ensuring covenant compliance to secure critical funding.

Oversaw robust corporate governance and company secretariat functions under CAMA 2020, building essential legal infrastructure to support the company's rapid growth and prospective public listing.

Established the legal function from inception, developing a comprehensive legal risk register, contract template library, regulatory tracking system, and enterprise legal risk audit framework to mitigate legal exposure.

Led a team of seven lawyers as Senior Associate & Head, Commercial and Finance Practice, earning "Employee of the Year" in 2023 and 2024 for exceptional performance and leadership.

Advised on transactions exceeding ₦15 billion and US$7 million, including debt ring-fencing for Chelsea Hotel and structuring a US$7 million loan facility for Misan Hotel, optimizing capital structures and ensuring lender security.

Spearheaded structuring and documentation of over US$2 million in equity financing for technology startups, incorporating SAFE agreements, liquidation preferences, and robust investor protections.

Provided comprehensive regulatory and compliance advisory to major clients like Apple Inc. (for Apple Pay infrastructure) and fintech platforms on CBN licensing, AML/CFT, and data protection (NDPA/GDPR).

Acted as lead legal advisor for LS Scientific Limited on M&A, corporate governance, and critical contract negotiations, and conducted extensive legal due diligence for acquisition targets.

Led the drafting of the Edo State PPP Bill, creating frameworks for transparent procurement and infrastructure investment bankability, and advised the Anambra State Government on pharmaceutical project financing.