Legal Officer

Eta-Zuma Group, formed in 2009 through the acquisition of eight companies by Energy and Metal Industries Limited, is a Nigerian conglomerate with exploration licenses for solid minerals like iron ore, gold, tantalite, coal, and limestone/marble. The consolidation aimed to create a balanced portfolio to exploit global commodity market opportunities, significantly expanding the company’s scale. With over $10 million invested in proving reserves, particularly marble and coal, and new infrastructure, Eta-Zuma operates key exploration sites in Kogi and Enugu, projecting a $1 billion turnover by 2014. The group focuses on coal for electricity generation and plans to process lignite into briquettes for domestic power, supporting thousands of jobs and environmental initiatives in northern Nigeria.

Job Summary

• The Legal Officer will oversee the company’s legal affairs relating to property transactions, including contract drafting, title searches, documentation perfection, litigation management, and recovery of encroached lands.
• The role ensures that all real estate and construction activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, protecting the company’s interests at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and interpret contracts, lease agreements, deeds of assignment, memoranda of understanding, joint venture agreements, and other legal documents.
• Conduct comprehensive title searches and due diligence on properties intended for acquisition, sale, or development.
• Handle perfection of title and related documentation at relevant registries and government agencies.
• Provide legal opinions and advice on real estate transactions, property laws, and construction contracts.
• Represent the company in legal proceedings, liaise with external counsel on litigation, and follow up on court cases.
• Develop strategies and lead efforts to retrieve or regularize encroached or disputed lands.
• Ensure timely registration and filing of necessary documents to secure company interests in properties.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting real estate and construction operations and advise management accordingly.
• Maintain a comprehensive legal documentation system for all company properties and related transactions.
• Support the negotiation process with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to protect the company’s legal and commercial interests.
• Shall be responsible for timely notice of payment for ground rent bill, tenancy rate etc.