Development Diagnosis Initiative - DDI

13/09/2026

13/09/2026

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws are no Guessing Subjects — Master the Laws that Govern Collapse and Recovery

In a volatile economy, ignorance of insolvency and bankruptcy laws is not an option.

When businesses collapse, assets are disputed, and financial systems buckle - who has the answers? Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo does.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws and Practice in Nigeria is the most comprehensive legal compendium ever written on corporate insolvency and bankruptcy in Nigeria. Covering CAMA 2020, the Bankruptcy Act, and every intersecting regulatory framework - banking, securities, insurance, asset management, and more - it arms you with the knowledge to act decisively when it matters most.

Corporate rescue. Restructuring. Liquidation. Dissolution. Every tool, every process, every law - in one definitive volume.

For lawyers. Judges. Bankers. Accountants. Regulators. Enforcers. Knowledge seekers.
Because when the system is under pressure, expertise is everything.

Secure your copy today!

For enquiries, ordering and purchases, call or WhatsApp: 09020357456.

05/09/2026

A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY LAWS IN NIGERIA

Reviewed by Rowland Enwerem

Book: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws and Practice in Nigeria

Author: Hon. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo

Publisher: Princeton & Associates (2026) | 1,112pp

Insolvency and bankruptcy laws have long occupied critical yet notoriously difficult spaces within Nigeria's legal and commercial frameworks. Sitting at the crossroads of commerce, finance, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and individual and corporate restructuring, the field demands professional skills that extend well beyond law - and a clear-eyed appreciation of the economic realities the laws are designed to address. When corporations falter and financial systems are tested, clarity in the law becomes everything.

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo's Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws and Practice in Nigeria delivers that clarity with authority and depth. It is the most comprehensive legal compendium ever written on corporate insolvency and bankruptcy in Nigeria, and the most indispensable reference yet produced for legal minds, financial professionals, and regulatory authorities alike.
Anchored on exhaustive local and international research, the work surveys the full landscape of Nigerian insolvency laws - from the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA 2020) and the Bankruptcy Act (LFN 2010), to the intersecting regulatory frameworks governing banking, securities, insurance, mortgage institutions, consumer protection, credit reporting, deposit insurance, and secured transactions in moveable assets.

This is not merely a statutory digest. The book unpacks the real-world tools of corporate rescue and restructuring - Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVA), administration, mergers and acquisitions, amalgamation, winding-up, liquidation, and dissolution - equipping readers to engage each process with precision and confidence.

Structured across 21 progressive chapters, the book covers both academic and practical terrains: insolvency and bankruptcy fundamentals; insolvency practitioners and their ethical framework; CVA and administration; the legal effects of administration; receivers and managers; the various modes of winding-up, including voluntary and court-supervised; dissolution; netting; mergers, acquisitions, takeovers and amalgamations; insolvency in banking and deposit insurance; banking and finance law intersections; asset management under the AMCON framework; debt recovery; credit transactions and reporting; bankruptcy law; alternative dispute resolution in insolvency; and the interface between insolvency, criminal sanctions, and taxation.

As a serving judicial officer of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and an accomplished scholar, Justice Ekwo brings a rare, dual authority to the subject - combining bench experience with rigorous academic discipline. The result is a work that moves fluently from foundational principles to the most labyrinthine questions of insolvency practice, drawing perspectives from across and beyond Commonwealth jurisdictions while remaining firmly grounded in the Nigerian context.

Standout contributions include the detailed treatment of administration and its legal consequences, the multi-chapter coverage of winding-up which addresses both procedural and substantive dimensions, and the sophisticated engagement with specialised topics such as netting, sector-specific insolvency regimes under the NDIC Act, the regulatory powers of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the policy objectives of institutions like the Financial Reporting Council. The chapters on pension regulation, credit reporting, and ADR in insolvency further demonstrate the breadth and intellectual range of this work.

Perhaps the most impressive achievement is the book's capacity to render dense and often abstruse areas of insolvency law intelligible without sacrificing analytical rigour.

Whether the reader is a judge, lawyer, banker, accountant, regulator, enforcement officer, or student, the writing remains clear, accessible, and authoritative.

This work also holds a historic distinction: it is the first comprehensive and most cohesive textbook dedicated entirely to insolvency and bankruptcy laws and practice in Nigeria. In a field where practitioners have long been forced to navigate disparate statutes, scattered case laws, and foreign texts, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Laws and Practice in Nigeria fills a long-standing gap and sets a new benchmark for scholarship and practice in this specialised area.

Comprehensive. Critical. Authoritative.

For enquiries: 09020357456

26/01/2026

I got over 2,050 reactions on my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

17/01/2026

JERRY EZE FOUNDATION DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT GRANT, Doing "What God Cannot Do" That Exists

One of the most heart-warming news stories coming out of Nigeria, Africa, this 2026, is the business innovation and incubation programme in technology, agriculture and manufacturing initiated by the Pastor Jerry Eze Foundation, themed: "Jerry Eze Foundation Digital Empowerment Grant."

While this may not be the first of its philanthropic kind in Nigeria, Africa, by an individual, or organisation, this, however, is unique, coming from a self-effacing young man, who, just before the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, was an unknown quantity. The burst and meteoric rise from obscurity to national, continental and global limelight stems from his brand of intelligent prayer and worship "content" via mass communication, and social mediation.

The focus on technical (technology), agriculture and manufacturing sectors represents a significant effort to drive grassroots economic empowerment, cultivate a mindset of intentionality, self-reliance, and purpose among Nigerian youth, and potentially transform them into future mentors and economic drivers.

Initially announced as a $300, 000 (450 million naira) initiative to support 100 young entrepreneurs with at least $3, 000 each, it has since grown to $525, 000 (N780 million naira) for 175 young entrepreneurs through additional donations from Tonye Cole - ($60, 000 for another 20 entrepreneurs), Tony Elumelu - ($60, 000 for another 20 entrepreneurs), and Nuvion Bank and Flutterwave - ($105, 000 for another 35 entrepreneurs). It did not stop at donations; Elumelu volunteered a 12-week business education course for all the awardees, while Flutterwave added technical backstopping (guarantee, or support mechanism to prevent failure) for tech awardees.

I am convinced that many more individuals and organisations will key in on the project, knowing that the man behind the project has shown that he knows where he is going, and the world is willing to pave the way for him.

Jerry Eze Foundation's programme aligns with broader national priorities, such as those in Nigeria's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, by targeting sectors that are foundational to sustainable development.

Some of the key benefits of this Innovation programme are:

1. Economic Growth and Job Creation: By providing seed funding for start-ups, it will enable the establishment of businesses, which can generate employment opportunities in a high-unemployment country like Nigeria. Manufacturing being one of the areas of focus could boost local production, thus, reducing reliance on import and stimulating GDP growth in a sector that currently contributes about 9% to Nigeria's economy.

2. Agricultural Advancement and Food Security: Agriculture employs over 35% of Nigerians, yet it faces challenges like low productivity and poor value-chain processing. Grants for innovative agribusiness ideas, such as tech-enabled farming or value-added processing, can enhance yields, improve supply chains, and support rural economies.

3. Technological Innovation and Industrialisation: Funding technical projects fosters digital transformation, including areas like fintech, AI, and e-commerce, which align with Nigeria's growing tech ecosystem. This can accelerate industrialisation, attract foreign investment, and position Nigeria as a regional hub, similar to how the Tony Elumelu Foundation has scaled African start-ups.

4. Poverty Reduction and Inclusive Development: Targeting underserved youth promotes social equity, particularly in rural and urban areas, by building human capital and reducing inequality. Over time, successful grantees could create multiplier effects, such as community uplift and tax revenues for public services.

Besides these inherent benefits, the programme will also provide inspiration and mentorship for the youth. The business education course by Tony Elumelu and technical backstopping by Flutterwave to the awardees constitute mentorship programming, which extends beyond financial aid.

The processes for application and selection of awardees, having been outsourced to a reputable international organisation, no doubt will ensure transparency and merit, thereby making the grant available to those who would grow it and look forward to empowering others in no distant future.

This holistic approach, rooted in Pastor Jerry Eze's vision of caring for the total man, combines faith-based motivation with practical entrepreneurship tools. There is no better SERMON than inspiration through opportunities and role modelling. Offering accessible funding for ideas in tech, agriculture and manufacturing would motivate the youth to pursue entrepreneurship amid economic hardship, signalling that innovative ideas can lead to tangible success.

Pastor Jerry Eze, as a prominent clergyman with a massive following via the New Season Prophetic Prayer Declarations (NSPPD), serves as an inspirational leader who demonstrates how faith and action can drive change, encourages participants to view business as a form of service and resilience beyond his popular declaration: "What God cannot do does not exist." By this noble act, Jerry Eze, no doubt, has found one or two things that God cannot do, and has gone ahead to do them for God, thus giving life and deeper meaning to the declaration.

I was a devotee of Jerry Eze's morning prayer marathon before his uncanny tendency to cry became unbearable for my fragile emotions. Once he starts crying, I will start crying, and the devotion ends for me. I had always tried to know why he sheds tears so profusely, and with such ease, but couldn't fathom it. But now I know better: He groans from an inner burden to innovate, incubate and fund technology, agriculture and manufacturing ideas.

Written by Rowland Enwerem - Research Lead, Development Diagnosis Initiative (DDI).

Enquiries: [email protected], 08034511753

15/01/2026

A Spectre is Looming:
The Taxation of Every Income, the Taxification of Every Expenditure, and the Affliction of Hardship

08/01/2026

AN ASSESSMENT OF JUSTICE INYANG EKWO'S FICTIONAL WORKS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY

Introduction

Justice Ekwo Inyang would have been a child literary prodigy if he had published some of his fictional works as early as he began to write. Widely known for his distinguished career in the Nigerian judiciary and his extensive legal scholarship, also stands out as a creative literary voice. Beyond his legal texts, which have contributed to the development of Nigerian jurisprudence, he has authored five fictional novels and a remarkable anthology, demonstrating a multidimensional intellect that bridges the worlds of law, society, and imaginative storytelling.

His fictional works reveal deep reflections on human behaviour, moral choices, power dynamics, and the social realities that shape contemporary Nigerian lives.

This assessment examines Ekwo's fictional writings:

1. Storm in the Will, 2008, which received the ANA/Jacaranda Prose Prize 2009. Republished in 2020 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

2. Just a Mile More, 2009. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

3. Beyond the Yard, 2012, which received the ANA Prose Prize (1st Runner up) in 2012. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

4. The Fall of Silence, 2013, which received the ANA/Chevron Prose Prize (1st Runner up) in 2013. Republished in 2022 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

5. Mission of the Dusk, which has undergone rave reviews. Republished in 2020 by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore

6. Fingers of the Heart, an anthology. Most of the poems in the anthology have received several awards.

These books help to evaluate how his creative contributions extend beyond literature into social consciousness and public enlightenment. It was due to the wide acclaim for the novels that they have been republished by Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co., LLC, USA/Singapore.

Overview of His Fictional Works

Storm in the Will: This novel explores the turbulence of personal decisions, internal conflicts, and the consequences of moral wavering. Ekwo uses internal monologue and character-driven narrative to explain how individuals struggle against both external and self-imposed pressures. The story illustrates how inner turmoil, if unresolved, can shape destinies and relationships through several generations.

Just a Mile More: A narrative of perseverance, resilience, and human endurance. The text reflects Ekwo's interest in determination and human spirit's capacity to rise above obstacles. Themes of hope, sacrifice and aspiration resonate strongly, making the novel both inspirational and socially relevant.

Beyond the Yard: This work addresses society from the perspective of spaces, physical and metaphorical. Ekwo examines what lies beyond the familiar: new opportunities presented in unfamiliar environment, unexpected challenges, and the confrontation with the unknown. It engages with themes of curiosity, ambition, and the courage to step outside comfort zones.

The Fall of Silence: A powerful exploration of suppressed truths, injustice, and the eventual eruption of hidden realities. The novel echoes the author's judicial background, as the plot deals with the moral consequences of speaking out. Ekwo uses suspense and social commentary to show how truth can reshape communities and personal identities.

Mission of the Dusk: A richly atmospheric novel that suggests transition, uncertainty, and the threshold between light and darkness - symbolically and literally. The text explores themes of change, destiny, and responsibility. With dramatic tension and well-developed characters, Ekwo reflects on how individuals navigate eras of decline or transformation.

Fingers of the Heart: The anthology showcases the author's poetic sensibilities and emotional depth. The collection touches on love, loss, humanity and subtle nuances of human experience. It reveals a softer, more intimate side of the author, highlighting his ability to express empathy, tenderness and introspection.

Literary Style and Strengths

Justice Inyang Ekwo's fictional writing is marked by:

a. Strong moral vision: His works often revolve around ethical choices, justice, truth and personal responsibility.

b. Character-driven narratives: He builds complex characters whose journeys reflect societal realities and psychological depth.

c. Symbolism and metaphor: Titles like "Mission of the Dusk" and "The Fall of Silence" demonstrate layered storytelling.

d. Humanistic themes: Love, struggle, truth, perseverance and transformation weave consistently through his works.

e. Accessible but thoughtful language: His fiction remains readable while maintaining philosophical richness.

His background in law enriches his storytelling with themes of justice, conflict resolution, accountability and societal order.

Contributions to Society through Fiction

Though known primarily as a jurist, Ekwo's fictional works contribute meaningfully to society in several ways:

1) Social Awareness and Moral Education: His novels address ethical dilemmas, truth-telling, justice, and integrity. These are values that are essential to social stability. Through relatable characters, he conveys lessons that resonate with readers across professions and ages.

2) Youth inspiration: Themes of perseverance offer motivation to young people facing personal and societal challenges.

3) Humanization of Law: By writing fictions, Ekwo brings human face to issues often seen only through legal or bureaucratic lenses. His creative stories bridge the gap between the judiciary and the everyday realities of citizens.

4) Cultural Enrichment: His works contribute to Nigerian literature and establish him among jurists who also become cultural icons, who expand the intellectual landscape of the country.

5) Encouragement of Creative Expression: His dual career shows that professionals, including judges and lawyers, can participate in the arts. This challenges stereotypes and encourages broader participation in literature.

Overall Assessment

Justice Inyang Ekwo's fictional endeavours reveal him as a versatile writer with depth, empathy and social consciousness. His stories demonstrate a keen understanding of human character, moral complexity, and societal challenges. Through his novels and anthology, he offers reflections that enrich readers' perspectives on justice, personal growth, truth and human emotions.

His contributions to society extend beyond the courtroom. As a writer, he elevates public understanding, inspires moral clarity, and adds meaningful voices to Nigeria's literary scene. His ability to combine legal intellect with imaginative storytelling makes him a distinctive and influential figure whose works deserve wider recognition both within and beyond Nigeria.

Written by Rowland Enwerem - Research Lead, Development Diagnosis Initiative (DDI).

Enquiries: [email protected], 08034511753