In a bid to deepen the entrenchment the practice of insolvency practices in Nigeria, the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has intensified its stakeholder engagement and professional advocacy efforts in the South-South region with a series of strategic visits and institutional introductions.
On 30th October 2025, BRIPAN’s South-South Zone formally introduced the Association to members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port-Harcourt Branch, during the branch meeting held at NBA House, Port-Harcourt.
The presentation, led by the BRIPAN Council Member and South-South Chairperson, Mrs. Miamnaya Essien, SAN, highlighted BRIPAN’s mandate, rising relevance under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, and the role of the Association in professional certification for insolvency practitioners.
Mrs. Essien emphasized the benefits of membership, including skills development, networking, certification programmes, and advocacy for robust insolvency legislation.
The interactive session was well-received, with members expressing enthusiasm for deeper collaboration. Both organisations agreed to hold follow-up engagements to define programmes of mutual benefit.
The South-South engagement followed two earlier courtesy visits by the BRIPAN President, Chimezie Victor C. Ihekweazu SAN, to key professional partners in Lagos, part of a strategic agenda to consolidate stakeholder support as his administration rounds off in December.
On 29th October 2025, the BRIPAN President, Registrar, and team visited ECOVIS OUC, Chartered Accountants. The Managing Partner, Mr. Andrew Obaro Uviase, welcomed the delegation and pledged stronger involvement of the firm and its professionals in BRIPAN initiatives.
He acknowledged the expanding recognition of insolvency practitioners as business rescuers rather than undertakers, and expressed interest in delivering papers at BRIPAN events.
Mr. Ihekweazu underscored the need for accountants to play a more prominent role in insolvency engagements, given the collaboration required among lawyers, valuers, bankers, tax consultants and related specialists. He also encouraged ECOVIS OUC professionals to leverage international platforms such as the African Roundtable and INSOL International. The visit concluded with the presentation of Volumes 1 and 2 of the BRIPAN Law Review.
Earlier, on 28th October 2025, the BRIPAN President led a team to the law offices of Ayodele Akintunde & Co, where they were warmly received by distinguished past President and Council Member, Otunba Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, FBR. Describing the visit as a “homecoming,” Mr. Ihekweazu praised Otunba Akintunde’s mentorship, commitment, and legacy of institutional growth within BRIPAN.
Otunba Akintunde reaffirmed unwavering support for the Association, announcing plans to sponsor 15 members of the NBA Ondo Branch for BRIPAN training programs. He further presented the President and Secretariat with a compendium of his presidency, urging continuous documentation for institutional continuity.
Across the three engagements, the BRIPAN leadership maintained the message that the future of insolvency practice lies in upscaling professional capacity, widening inclusion, and expanding the business rescue environment in Nigeria.
With increasing visibility, more active regional structures, and widening professional alliances, BRIPAN says it is committed to positioning Nigeria among leading jurisdictions in Africa for business recovery and insolvency expertise.
