George Akpan, Ph.D. is the Managing Counsel at The Fortress Law (“TFL”). Dr. George brings a rare blend of academic excellence, global legal experience, and practical business insight to TFL. A dual-qualified lawyer (Canada and Nigeria), George is a seasoned legal professional with over two decades of experience in Corporate Commercial Law, Oil and Gas Law, Energy Law, Foreign Investment Law, Regulatory Compliance, Dispute Resolution, and Public Policy. Dr George has extensive experience across various industries and regions. Dr George Akpan’s expertise is highly sought after.

Prior to founding TFL, Dr. George Akpan was a Senior Associate at Republic Law, where he led the Corporate Commercial Practice and Cross-Border Corporate Transactions. Before that, Dr. George spent over thirteen years at Mobil Producing Nigeria (“MPN”), an ExxonMobil affiliate. His contributions were instrumental in his rise to the position of Senior Legal Counsel before his departure in 2020.

During his tenure at ExxonMobil, he excelled in roles such as Associate Counsel, overseeing all legal functions within the MPN JV Operations. Dr. George adeptly handled high-stakes negotiations, reviewed multi-billion-dollar procurement and oil and gas contracts, and played a pivotal role in securing external financing for asset development, ensuring compliance with Nigerian laws governing the company’s operations. Notably, he served as the lead lawyer advising the company on legal and policy matters related to the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act, which was signed into law in 2021.

Dr. George also represented the company on the Oil and Gas Industry Group (OPTS) for eight years. Additionally, he was responsible for advising the company on employment law, policies, and related issues, and served as a long-standing member of the company’s disciplinary committee.

George is a trusted advisor who brings intellectual rigour, cultural competence, and unmatched dedication to client service. His depth of experience and ability to synthesize complex legal issues into actionable guidance form the bedrock of TFL’s approach to legal excellence.

• Ph.D., National University of Singapore
• LL.M (with Distinction), University of Dundee, UK(Petroleum Law)
• LL.M, University of Lagos (Corporate Law)
• LL.B (Hons), University of Uyo (Best Graduating Student in Law)
• Certificate of Qualification, NCA (Canada)
• CPLED, Alberta Bar Admission Program
• Advanced Certificate in Intellectual Property, WIPO Academy.
• Member in good standing, Law Society of Alberta and Nigerian Bar Association

• Nigeria, 1990
• Alberta, Canada, 2024

• Corporate-Commercial Transactions & Cross-Border Deals
• Oil & Gas Law and Infrastructure Negotiation
• Regulatory Compliance& Government Relations
• Employment Law &Labour Negotiations
• Legal Research, Policy Analysis, and Advocacy
• Exceptional Writing, Teaching & Public Speaking Abilities

• JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokyo
• Visiting Fellow, Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo
• Visiting Fellow, United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan
• Author of numerous peer-reviewed publications on natural resources, trade law, investment law, and Policy

• Law Society of Alberta
• Nigerian Bar Association
• Canadian Bar Association
• International Law Association, Canada
• Calgary Bar Association

•  Visiting Fellow, United Nations University, Institute of Advanced Studies
• Visiting Scholar, WTO Centre, Aoyama Gakuin University, Shibuya, Tokyo
• JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship, United Nations University- Institute of Advanced Studies, Japan
• University Graduate Fellowship, National University of Singapore
• Research Scholarship, National University of Singapore
• Laszlo Gombos Award for Outstanding Academic Performance from the Petroleum and Mineral Law Education Trust Fund, London
• University of Dundee Research Studentship
• Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship Award
• University Prize, Best Graduating Student in Law, University of Uyo

Student in Law, University of Uyo