Godwin Etim

Godwin Etim is Head of Dispute Management and Resolution with over 25 years of experience in commercial law, capital markets, real estate and probate practice, environmental law, projects and construction, and labour, employment and industrial relations. He has represented individuals and corporations in complex legal issues before arbitral tribunals and superior courts in Nigeria with appreciable success.

He has successfully prosecuted and defended high‑value claims at the High Court and the National Industrial Court, including a multi‑million naira debt recovery claim resulting in judgment in the sum of EUR78,000 and US$394,000, a monetary contract claim against a foremost telecommunications company securing judgment of over ₦5 million, and defence of a multi‑national aluminium company in a trade dispute at the National Industrial Court resulting in dismissal of all claims. He has also prosecuted a ₦105 million claim in favour of a local construction company against a bank, defended employee claims saving over ₦12 million, and defended a ₦1 billion damages appeal on behalf of a multinational energy company. He regularly advises on employee and labour issues and has served as an expert contributor for Nigeria to the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index on Labour and Employment since 2013.

Godwin is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and a Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP). He was described by Legal500 in 2017 as a “next generation lawyer” and a “recommended individual.” He has been involved in major transactions including the public offers of shares of Intercontinental Bank Plc and AP Plc, the initial public issue of the Lagos State ₦15 billion redeemable bond, and the proposed privatisation of ALSCON, Oshogbo Steel Rolling Mill, and the National Arts Theatre. He has also advised on vessel registration under the Cabotage Act, seafarer registration, picketing and strike procedures, and labour‑related issues for multinational companies.