Akpor Ikogho, Managing Partner at Mark Renee LP, is a corporate and commercial law expert with a focus on governance, compliance, and Nigeria’s evolving digital assets space. In this interview with our Nkemakonam Umeadi-Onyedika, he shares his journey from junior associate to law firm founder, insights on regulatory shifts affecting blockchain companies, and practical advice for founders and young lawyers navigating today’s complex legal environment.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your journey into the corporate space, and what you’re most excited about right now?
My name is Akpor Ikogho. I am a graduate of the University of Benin, Nigeria, and also called to the Nigerian Bar. In a bid to serve my clients more effectively and keep abreast with emerging trends, I have also taken international courses on blockchain, cybersecurity and crypto compliance, as well as courses in Fintech Law and Policy from Duke University; Financial markets from Yale and Legal Tech & Startups from IE Business School.
Before establishing Mark Renee Legal Practitioners, I spent years working directly with two respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria at a commercial law firm in Nigeria. During that time, I gained insight into corporate compliance, advising clients and commercial practice. Those formative years provided me with deep understanding of the legal issues businesses face in Nigeria and helped shape my decision to launch an independent practice grounded in robust ethical professional standards.
After those years, I decided it was time to set up my own practice. In founding Mark Renee LP, my vision was to create a specialized corporate law firm devoted to representing businesses on compliance issues and supporting startups through every stage of growth. We focus on delivering practical legal solutions tailored to each client’s needs, whether navigating regulatory frameworks, negotiating agreements or structuring corporate entities.
What excites me right now is the opportunity to grow Mark Renee LP. We grew up in the legal space looking up to the Titans of corporate law like Gbenga Oyebode and Asue Ighodalo. Inspired by these people, I am excited to grow Mark Renee LP into a firm that can compete in the same space as the highest tiers of corporate law practices in Nigeria.
Having gained experience in the Blockchain space, what’s the single most important compliance change companies operating in the blockchain industry should make today to avoid surprises down the line, now that digital assets are officially ‘securities’?
When I advise clients in the blockchain sector, I always start by stressing the impact of the new securities classification. Digital tokens, stablecoins and other assets are now under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) oversight. That means registration, disclosure and regular reporting obligations apply. Missing this shift can trigger enforcement actions and fines. In my own experience, early compliance ensures that costly delays are avoided. It also protects investor confidence and market trust.
I often find that companies delay registration because the process is tedious. The SEC requires a registration statement with audited financials, proof of capital and compliance manuals. To me, meeting these requirements is non-negotiable.
The most critical change I recommend is increasing your capital base to meet the New Rules on Issuance, Offering Platforms and Custody of Digital Assets, which took effect on June 30, 2025. These rules set clear minimum capital thresholds for market participants. You avoid sudden shutdowns or penalties by adjusting your reserves now. In practice, I guide clients to review their balance sheets, plan capital injections and complete SEC filings well before deadlines. This proactive step is the single most important way to keep operations running smoothly and to steer clear of costly surprises.
Tokenization is transforming how assets are owned and traded, what’s the first compliance milestone a company should meet before launching any token offering?
The first compliance milestone a company should meet is registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Before any token offering, the issuer must confirm that the digital assets meet the definition of a security under the Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025). This classification triggers mandatory registration obligations, pursuant to which the company must prepare and file a registration statement containing a detailed disclosure of its business model, management team, financial statements and token economics.
The registration statement, once filed, subjects the offering to a review process by the SEC, during which the regulator may issue comments or request additional information. Preparing for this process requires collaboration with external counsel and auditors to verify that all representations are accurate and complete. It is essential that the issuer establish robust compliance procedures, including internal controls and record-keeping systems, to support ongoing reporting obligations following registration.
Filing a registration statement also commits the issuer to periodic filings, such as annual and quarterly reports, and to adhere to anti-fraud provisions, insider trading rules and corporate governance standards. With this, a company ensures that its token offering withstands regulatory scrutiny and mitigates the risk of enforcement actions, fines or forced suspension of the offering. Sound legal counsel and early engagement with the SEC streamline the process and lay a solid compliance foundation for a successful token launch.
Founders wear many hats, but their legal duties do not change. What would you say is the single most common misstep you see when founders make decisions and how can they avoid it?
Yes, truly, founders wear many hats and must juggle product development, fundraising and team building and compliance with the regulators.
As a founder, you need to keep abreast of corporate governance compliance rules, intellectual property (IP) protection, data privacy rules and contract management. Missing one of these can lead to nasty surprises that distract you from growing your business or even ground you.
Of these areas, the most common misstep I see is data privacy. Many early-stage companies collect customer names, emails and usage data without mapping where it lives or how long to keep it. That makes you vulnerable under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and global privacy standards. A simple breach or accidental leak can cost you fines, customer trust and even derail funding rounds. This is currently playing out with the MultiChoice fine of N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Founders may avoid this trap by starting with a quick data audit. Write down what personal data you collect, why you collect it and where you store it. Publish a short, clear privacy notice that tells users how you handle their data. Then set simple rules for your team: restrict access to sensitive files, delete old data on a schedule and report any incident immediately. You don’t need fancy software, just clear steps and good habits.
You show customers and investors that you care about their information by taking data privacy seriously from day one. It also saves you time and money later. With these basics in place, you can focus on scaling your startup without worrying that a compliance issue will trip you up.
Remember, compliance is not just a checkbox, it can boost your credibility. Strong data practices streamline operations, lower risk in partnerships and appeal to privacy-conscious users. Start small, document your process and stay consistent to build trust as you grow.
Having gone from working under two Senior Advocates to leading a law firm, what is your advice for junior lawyers aiming to carve out their niche and stay profitable?
Junior lawyers often see Senior lawyers as role models. After working for years under two Senior Advocates, I learned these qualities make one stand out: attention to detail, insane amounts of hardwork and a commitment to continuous growth. Hard work lays the foundation, but it must be coupled with a willingness to learn, unlearn and relearn and persevere.
First, be prepared to work diligently. Early in my career, I took every assignment personally. This drive earns trust, opens doors and builds your professional reputation.
Second, embrace learning as a cycle. Law evolves, and so must you. Review judgments, challenge your assumptions and seek feedback from mentors. Relearning keeps your skills sharp and adaptable.
Third, adapt swiftly to new circumstances. Market demands shift, technologies emerge, and client expectations change. When the profession embraces innovation, you must shift strategies, explore niche sectors and stay nimble.
Fourth, keep up to date with laws and regulations. Read legislative updates, follow law journal articles and attend professional seminars. Information is your currency, knowing the latest amendments or court rulings lets you advise clients proactively instead of reacting to crises.
You carve out a niche rooted in expertise and reliability by reading extensively and weaving these practices into your routine. Clients value lawyers who combine hard work with fresh insights, adaptability and current knowledge. Profitability follows naturally when you deliver timely, informed and client solutions. In short, commit to relentless growth: work hard, learn constantly, adapt quickly and stay informed. This four-pillar approach will guide your journey.
Email: ami@markrenee.com
