Chima Ochi is a seasoned legal and regulatory professional with over a decade of post-call experience. He currently serves as the Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer at West Power & Gas Limited. Before this role, Chima was the Head of Legal Advisory and Contracts at Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP), where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and legal acumen.

Chima has an extensive background in Corporate and Commercial Law, holding an LLM and an MBA. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, further enhancing his contributions to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Chima's career spans notable sectors such as power and infrastructure, banking and finance, intellectual property, real estate to mention but a few. In his current role, he is responsible for providing strategic legal counsel, regulatory oversight, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Chima has successfully led teams in drafting and negotiating critical agreements, including notable industry agreements such as CBN-NEMSF Transaction Documents, Power Purchase Agreements (both for On-Grid and Embedded Generation), Franchising Agreements, Distribution Use of System Agreement, Engineering Procurement and Construction Contracts to mention but a few. In addition, he has advised on a variety of legal and business issues to Boards and Investors.

Recognized for his interpersonal and leadership skills, Chima excels in managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive business objectives. He has engaged in speaking opportunities and provided content analysis on key developments in the power sector, contributing to thought leadership in the industry. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and his keen attention to detail in regulatory matters is one notable attribute that Chima exemplifies.

In addition to his legal expertise, Chima’s interpersonal skills, including strong communication, negotiation, and team leadership, have enabled him to thrive in dynamic environments, consistently delivering value to both his team and clients. His contributions to the organisations he has worked have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious EKEDP MD/CEO Award for Best Legal Staff in 2022.

Chima is also a frequent contributor to legal and business discourse, having published articles and participated in speaking engagements on issues impacting the power sector and beyond. He remains committed to excellence and innovation in his field.