Chief Steve Ugochukwu Ahaneku has practised law in Nigeria for over forty years. He was called to the Bar in 1981 after graduating from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Nigerian Law School. He later obtained an LL.M in International Business Law from the University of Cumbria.

His career has combined service in government and extensive private practice. Between 2000 and 2003, he served as Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate, where he was closely involved in the legislative process and gained a wide network within the National Assembly. He subsequently served as Honourable Commissioner in the Imo State Executive Council with responsibility at different times for Transport, Petroleum and Environment.

Since 2003, Chief Ahaneku has been Principal Partner at A & E Law Partnership, Abuja. In this capacity, he has advised both government and private clients on a wide range of legal and commercial matters. He has acted as Company Secretary to blue-chip companies providing support on compliance with CAMA 2020, corporate governance, joint venture agreements and oil and gas sector regulations.

He has also advised on major public-private partnership (PPP) transactions. Notably, he acted as one of the negotiators for one of the firm’s clients in the successful concession of key highways under the Federal Government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). His experience includes advisory work for public and private institutions on various reform and transaction mandates.

Chief Ahaneku has consulted for international partners such as the World Bank, the European Union (RoLAC Programme) and the British Council. His assignments have centred on strengthening procurement systems, improving transparency in public institutions, and supporting infrastructure development across Nigeria.

He has attended several training programmes, including the Mastering Negotiations course at Harvard University and specialist training in International Energy Law and Contracts in Houston, Texas.