The Kwara State Government is set to host a crucial edition of its monthly digital economy discourse, Kwara Digital Pulse, this May, with a focus on a silent yet deadly threat to startup survival: legal pitfalls.
Organized by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Innovations, the session titled “Legal Mistakes That Can Shut Down a Startup” will hold virtually on Saturday, May 31, 2025, via X (formerly Twitter) Spaces. This edition convenes two top legal minds in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem—Ridwan Oke, Principal Partner at Iris Attorneys LP, and Adam Muhammed Ndakudu, Principal at Muhammed Adams & Associates.
According to the organizers, the session aims to shed light on the often-overlooked legal oversights that contribute significantly to the high failure rate among Nigerian startups. Citing recent data, over 60% of Nigerian startups fail within their first five years, with legal non-compliance and poor structural foundation identified as major culprits.
“Innovation and funding often dominate conversations in the startup space, but legal missteps—from improper registrations to IP negligence—can cripple even the most promising ventures,” said a statement from the Digital Innovations Office.
The speakers are expected to break down common legal traps including:
- Flawed business registration processes
- Intellectual property (IP) lapses
- Poorly drafted contracts
- Non-compliance with regulatory frameworks
Ridwan Oke, a seasoned legal advisor with over a decade of experience in startup compliance and sustainable entrepreneurship, has represented clients at appellate courts and runs one of the country’s respected startup law firms.
Adam Muhammed Ndakudu, a first-class law graduate and recipient of several national legal awards, brings deep expertise in intellectual property rights and tech litigation.
Their joint appearance underscores the rising importance of legal literacy in Nigeria’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.
The May edition of Kwara Digital Pulse represents a significant stride in Kwara State’s ongoing effort to nurture a legally aware and investment-ready tech community. By addressing foundational legal concerns, the program supports Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s broader vision of building a robust, digitally-driven, and entrepreneur-friendly economy.
Entrepreneurs, founders, innovators, and business enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and learn strategies to avoid costly legal mistakes and secure their business futures.
Join the conversation live: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1ynJOlVXOWnxR
For more information, follow @DigitalKwara on X.