Mas’Huda Nayina
Accra
Summary
I am a highly dedicated, self-motivated, resourceful and experienced legal counsel with 10 years’ experience as a lawyer in corporate and commercial law, gained from working in an international law firm and in a national oil company. I am adept at managing complex legal transactions within the oil and gas industry, and general corporate and commercial services. I have a proven track record of leading high-stakes negotiations, drafting comprehensive legal documents, and providing strategic legal advice compliant with regulatory requirements. I am skilled at joint venture management, stakeholder engagement, and commercial strategy. I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to navigate complex technical, financial and legal landscapes, delivering tailored legal advice and drive successful outcomes for high-value energy projects and transactions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Legal Officer
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation
01.2022 - Current
- Managing joint venture partners (Kosmos, Tullow and PetroSA) and joint venture activities on Jubilee and TEN Fields for the last 6 years.
- Serving as secretary to the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee of the Board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
- Managed a team of 3 international law firms, 4 international oil companies and 6 state institutions to draft agreements establishing Ghana's first decommissioning trust fund worth an estimated US$705M.
- Provided legal advice to GNPC and the Government of Ghana on decommissioning obligations, saving Ghana an estimated US$50M in contributions.
- Advised on a joint venture interest transfer, enabling Ghana to acquire a 7% interest in Jubilee and TEN Fields worth US$164M.
- Negotiated and drafted documents for refinancing a US$155M facility, securing an additional US$117M, which ensured a stable electricity supply and saved the state US$300M.
- Managed the negotiation and execution of a US$85M letter of credit facility under a syndicated financing structure, guaranteeing buyer obligations and overseeing the transaction from term sheet to renewal.
- Provided legal advice on the amendment of a plan of development and related investments, negotiating terms with international oil companies as part of a joint venture group, resulting in US$300M in savings for the State.
- Successfully negotiated a US$25M term-loan facility with banks for major infrastructure construction, managing all related documents, including Board authorisations.
Associate Secondee
White & Case LLP
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Advised on diverse energy sector transactions, reviewing terms of power purchase agreements, implementation agreements, land lease agreements and offtake agreements to protect clients’ interests.
- Reviewed contracts and provide legal opinions for successful project execution.
- Provided comprehensive support in drafting and negotiating joint development agreements that align with stakeholders' interests and facilitate seamless project collaboration and implementation.
Associate
ENSafrica
10.2015 - 01.2018
- Advised on complex corporate structures, company law, and board governance, ensuring clients' compliance with regulatory standards, which enhanced their operational efficiency and minimised legal risks.
- Provided comprehensive legal opinions on employment issues and contract breaches, successfully mitigating liability and indemnity claims, thus protecting clients from significant financial and reputational damages.
- Represented clients in high-stakes dispute settlement hearings in court and alternative dispute resolution forums, achieving favourable outcomes and maintaining client trust and satisfaction.
- Guided clients through intricate regulatory compliance issues, resulting in streamlined business operations and adherence to legal requirements, which bolstered their market credibility and business continuity.
Contract Analyst
Schlumberger Seaco Inc.
11.2012 - 07.2014
- Reviewed and ensured contracts complied with company terms, minimising risk exposure and safeguarding Schlumberger Seaco Inc.'s interests, resulting in enhanced legal and financial security for the company.
- Evaluated and approved work order payment requests in line with master service agreements, ensuring accurate and timely payments, which optimised financial operations and maintained vendor trust.
- Managed the entire contract lifecycle from pre-execution to renewals and terminations, streamlining processes and reducing administrative overhead, leading to increased operational efficiency.
- Negotiated service agreements with oil companies, effectively managing resources and securing favourable terms, which improved project profitability and strengthened business relationships.
Education
Ghana School of Law
Accra, Ghana10.2015
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University of Dundee
Dundee, Scotland11.2012
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kumasi, Ghana07.2011
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Wesley Girls’ High School
Cape Coast, Ghana01.2006
Skills
- Legal advice
- Contract drafting
- Legal analysis
- Legal research
- Board secretarial services
- Commercial awareness
- Corporate governance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Creative and critical thinking
- Joint venture coordination
Certification
- Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme, Said Business School, Oxford
- Certificate in Global Business, Harvard Business Online, Harvard, USA
- Contract and Negotiation Masterclass, Euromoney Learning, London, UK
- International Petroleum Law Workshop, IHRDC, Boston, USA
Qualifications
- Professional Law Certificate (B.L), Ghana School of Law, 2015
- Master’s in Petroleum Law and Policy (LLM), University of Dundee (CEPMLP), 2012
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2011
Timeline
Associate Secondee
White & Case LLP
02.2024 - 08.2024
Senior Legal Officer
Ghana National Petroleum Corporation
01.2022 - Current
Associate
ENSafrica
10.2015 - 01.2018
Contract Analyst
Schlumberger Seaco Inc.
11.2012 - 07.2014
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University of Dundee
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
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Wesley Girls’ High School
Ghana School of Law