Senior Legal Counsel, R.O. Atabo, SAN & Co.

An accomplished legal practitioner with over 23 years of experience in legal practice, specialising in litigation, dispute resolution, corporate and commercial law, competition and consumer protection law, arbitration, mediation, and regulatory compliance.

Lydia has built an extensive legal career representing individuals, corporate organisations, and institutions in significant legal disputes and commercial transactions. Her practice spans civil and criminal litigation, electoral disputes, property law, employment and labour matters, medical law, corporate governance, business recovery, and insolvency.

She has appeared before courts at all levels of the Nigerian judicial system, including State High Courts, the Federal High Court, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Her experience covers the development of litigation strategies, advocacy, negotiation, arbitration, mediation, and the resolution of commercial and other disputes.

Beyond courtroom advocacy, she provides strategic legal advisory services to Nigerian and international businesses, with particular expertise in competition and consumer protection law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions. She regularly advises clients on legal risk, negotiates commercial agreements, conducts legal due diligence, and develops practical solutions that protect clients’ interests and support their business objectives.

Her professional journey includes serving as Counsel and Head of Chambers at R.O. Atabo & Co. from October 2004 to May 2013, where she led legal teams, managed substantial litigation portfolios, mentored junior lawyers, and advised clients across industries including oil and gas, telecommunications, and financial services. Since June 2013, she has continued to provide senior legal leadership, combining courtroom experience with corporate advisory and alternative dispute resolution practice.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) degree from the University of Jos, graduating with Second Class Upper Division, and a Barrister-at-Law (BL) qualification from the Nigerian Law School. She also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in Competition and Consumer Protection Law and Policy from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law.

Her professional qualifications include membership of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (MCArb), the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates (ASCMA, UK), the Institute of Health and Medical Law (M.IHML), and the Business Recovery Practitioners Association of Nigeria (ABR).

She is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates, Institute of Health and Medical Law, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria, and Nigerian Association of Adventist Lawyers.

With a strong commitment to professional excellence, ethical practice, and client service, she brings sound legal judgment, strategic thinking, and an appreciation of the commercial realities influencing legal disputes and business decisions. She is equally passionate about mentoring younger legal practitioners, professional development, and promoting effective dispute resolution.

She speaks English, Tiv, and Hausa. Outside legal practice, her interests include reading, research, writing, mentoring, public speaking, golf, travelling, and cooking.