Expression of Interest for Engagement of Legal Advisory Support for the Establishment of the Ekiti State Seed Fund (Consulting Services). PROJECT ID: P-NG-100-002 The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a loan from the African Development Bank towards Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project (EKZ). The project site is located between Ago Araromi in Ado Local Government Area and Ijan Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area in Ekiti State. The Project intends to apply a portion of the loan for the engagement of a qualified Legal Consultant (Individual or Consulting Firm) to provide comprehensive legal advisory services for the structuring, establishment, registration and operationalization of the Ekiti State Seed Fund a catalytic early-stage financing vehicle for startups and innovative enterprises in Ekiti Knowledge Zone. The services include conducting legal and regulatory assessments, recommending and designing the optimal legal structure for the Fund, drafting all foundational legal and governance documents, ensuring full compliance with Nigerian investment and financial regulations (SEC, CAC, CBN, etc.), supporting registration and licensing processes, advising on governance and operational frameworks, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and building capacity of the PIU and relevant state entities for long-term Fund management. The specific objectives of the assignment will include but not limited to: 1. Review of applicable state and federal laws and benchmarking of similar funds 2. Recommendation and design of the most suitable legal structure (Trust, SPV, LP, etc.) 3. Drafting of all constitutive documents (Trust Deed/Partnership Agreement, Memorandum & Articles, Investment Policy Statement, Governance Manual, etc.) 4. Ensuring compliance with SEC, CAC, tax, PPP and investment regulations 5. Supporting Fund registration and licensing processes 6. Developing transparency, accountability and reporting mechanisms 7. Providing risk assessment and mitigation advice 8. Training PIU and state officials on Fund governance and legal compliance The Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), the Implementing Agency, now invites eligible Individual Consultants or Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing the services indicated above. Interested Consultants should be legal practitioners/firms with proven expertise in corporate and investment law, fund structuring, venture capital and public-private investment vehicles. Solid experience and demonstrated knowledge of Nigerian financial regulations (SEC, CBN, CAC), state-level investment frameworks and donor-supported innovation financing initiatives will be a distinct advantage. A blend of legal, financial regulatory and governance skills is required. Previous experience in establishing seed/venture funds, angel investment vehicles or innovation financing instruments for government or development partners in Nigeria or the region is essential. Candidates/Firms must have the enthusiasm and authority to engage effectively with the Ministry of Justice, SEC, financial institutions and private investors. A high premium will be placed on the ability to deliver practical, innovative and investor-ready legal solutions within strict timelines. The Consultant (Individual or Firm) must have: 1. At least a Masters degree (or equivalent) in Law, with specialization in Corporate/Commercial Law, Financial Law or related fields for lead experts; 2. Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in investment/fund structuring and corporate finance law; 3. Proven track record of successfully establishing at least two (2) seed, venture capital or innovation funds in Nigeria or similar jurisdictions; 4. In-depth knowledge of SEC regulations on collective investment schemes, CAC incorporation procedures, tax implications and PPP legal frameworks; 5. Demonstrated experience working with state governments, development finance institutions or donor-funded innovation/entrepreneurship programs; 6. Registration with the Nigerian Bar Association and relevant professional bodies; 7. Excellent drafting, negotiation and stakeholder facilitation skills in English. Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Banks Procurement Policy for Bank Group Funded Operations (October 2015), which is available on the Banks website at https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and-operations/procurement/new-procurement-policy/ Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours [0900 to 1700 hours]. Interested parties may request for the Terms of References (ToRs) for better understanding of the assignment. Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by e-mail) on or before 12 Noon Nigeria Time on 13th February, 2026. Tender Link : https://etenders.com.ng/ekiti-state-government-ekiti-knowledge-zone-project-request-for-expressions-of-interest-for-engagement-of-legal-advisory-support-for-the-establishment-of-the-ekiti-state-seed-fund-consulting-services/
