Barr. Cosmas Ternenge Akighir LLM, BL, LLB, EMBA , M.S.c, MPHIL,(P.h.D), CCFE, SFIFS, FLFS, CICMC, FCFC, FCCEFE, SEIPN, FNSIS, FICMC, MCILRM, ACIArb, Risk Manager, Agribusiness Practitioner, Notary Public,UN Eminent Ambassador and Attorney at Law.

Barrister COSMAS TERNENGE AKIGHIR is a man with stellar academic and professional credentials. He is a distinguished Nigerian and Legal Practitioner, Risk Manager, Agribusiness Expert, and Chartered Forensic Professional with over 20 years of multifaceted experience spanning legal practice, credit risk management, forensic investigation, agribusiness consultancy, and arbitration. He is the Principal Partner at Akighir & Co., a thriving law firm with offices in Abuja, Makurdi, and Gboko. Barr. Cosmas has served as External Solicitor and Consultant to several high- profile institutions including the Asset Management Corperation of Nigeria (AMCON), the National Assembly, Unity Bank, The Standard Organization of Nigeria, (SON), and the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS). His work has been particularly impactful in the agribusiness sector, where he has helped de-risk agricultural finance, enabling increased investment in Nigeria’s agriculture value chain. His expertise bridges law, finance, and development, and he has led legal recovery efforts, forensic audit, and policy formulation initiatives across various government and corporate sectors.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Barr. Akighir holds formidable academic qualifications, including:

• Ph.D. in Law (in view) – Nasarawa State University, Keffi
• Master of Philosophy in Law (MPhil)- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
• Master of Science in Management – Ascencia Business School, College De Paris, France
• Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) – University of Business and International Studies, Geneva
• Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Security Law and Policy – Nasarawa State University, Keffi
• Master of Theology ((link unavailable)) – Redeemed Christian Bible College
• Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) – University of Maiduguri, Borno State
• Barrister at Law (BL)- Nigerian Law School
• Diploma in Law (DL) – Benue State University, Makurdi
• Certificate in English Grammar and Pronunciation – NTA Television College, Jos

Professional Affiliations and Titles:

In addition to his academic accolades, Barrister Akighir is:

• Certified Chartered Forensic Expert (CCFE)
• Senior Fellow in Investigation/Intelligence Forensic Studies (SFFIF)
• Fellow of Legal and Litigation Forensic Studies (FLFS)
• Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC)
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (MCILRM)
• Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb)
• Notary Public of Nigeria
• UN Eminent Ambassador for Peace and Development

Career Highlights:

Throughout his illustrious career, Barrister Akighir has served as an External Solicitor and Consultant for several high-profile institutions, including:

• Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)
• National Assembly
• Unity Bank Plc

He frequently participates and speaks at legal and forensic conferences, including those by the Nigerian Bar Association and AMCON Legal Workshops.

Research and Publications:

Barrister Akighir’s research encompasses extensive studies on law, governance, business management, and judicial performance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Testimonials:

He is has been recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as the Board Chairman of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). Barr. Akighir is uniquely positioned to leverage his extensive expertise to drive development initiatives and foster economic growth in the North Central region of Nigeria.

In a testament to his superlative qualities, the esteemed legal authority Professor Sabastine Tar Hon, SAN has in a congratulatory message for his well deserved appointment described Barr. C.T. Akighir as a consummate and successful lawyer and thus commended Barr. Akighir’s exemplary character and professional prowess, emphasizing the respect and admiration he commands within the legal fraternity.

Current Role:

As the Principal Partner at Akighir & Co., a thriving law firm with offices in Benue and Abuja, Barrister Akighir leads a dedicated team committed to delivering unparalleled legal services to diverse clientele.

With his visionary leadership, his tenure as Board Chairman of the NCDC is anticipated to usher in significant advancements in the region’s strategic initiatives and development projects, supporting sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for communities in North Central Nigeria. His multifaceted carrier embodies a profound commitment to legal excellence, adept risk management, and social economic development, solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in the promising future of the North Central Nigeria.

Compiled by:

P.A. Akile Esq.
From Gboko.