With an excellent track record in advising on infrastructure matters relating to power plants, ports, and railways, the practice at AELEX is often instructed by investors in domestic energy transactions. With over four decades of experience, Soji Awogbade leads the team and has established expertise in advising clients on the development, distribution, transmission and distribution of gas and power. Olusina Sipasi and Raymond Ofagbor are key names for handling project finance and environmental issues, and Temiloluwa Fakolade brings expertise in assisting with large energy-focused transactions. Wendy Nwogu is also highlighted.
Energy and natural resources in Nigeria
AELEX
Practice head(s):
Soji Awogbade
Other key lawyers:
Olusina Sipasi; Raymond Ofagbor; Temiloluwa Fakolade; Wendy Nwogu; Merit Okafor
Key clients
Federal Ministry of Power
Lekoil Limited
All Grace Energy Nigeria Limited
Channeldrill Resources Limited
ADDAX Petroleum
CNOOC
Shelf Drilling
Groupe TCA Internationale SA
Mobil Petroleum Nigeria (Unlimited)
Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Limited
Blue Power Energy
Modandola Group
Honeywell Group Limited
SDP Services Limited
Rusal
Dangote Oil Refining Company Ltd
GZ Industries Limited
Iron Horse Real Estate Limited
Thome Group
Banwo & Ighodalo
Gas supply arrangements, oil and gas acquisitions and disposals, and project financing are key areas of instruction for the team Banwo & Ighodalo. Ken Etim and Akindeji Oyebode are adept at advising on project finance, and Stella Duru acts for entities in the infrastructure and power sectors. Kehinde Ojuawo and Onyinye Dimkpagu are key names in the group for handling oil and gas investments and divestments. Adetutu Sanusi has left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Ken Etim; Stella Duru; Kehinde Ojuawo; Akindeji Oyebode
Other key lawyers:
Onyinye Dimkpagu; Lekan Dairo
Testimonials
‘The energy team has advised us on sophisticated commercial transactions and has been involved in all our energy deals, some of which are part of the largest and most complex transactions in the Nigerian market.’
‘The B&I Energy team is quick to understand complex transactions and present them in their simplest form, anticipating our needs as clients and surpassing them.’
‘The team consistently provides proactive, business-focused, and commercially relevant advice of the finest quality.’
Key clients
Chevron Nigeria Limited
Dangote Fertilizer Limited
Eyrie Services Energy Limited
MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited
ND Western Limited
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
CPCS Venture Limited
Work highlights
- Acted as Nigerian counsel to a sponsor in connection with a US$1.4 billion forward sale and financing for a multi-year drilling and development programme.
- Advised Eyrie Energy Limited on offtake arrangements and funding participation pertaining to a US$1,040,000,000 pre-export financing.
- Assisting CPCS Venture Limited in connection with the sale of five thermal power generation companies.
Dentons ACAS-Law
Dentons ACAS-Law stands out in the Nigerian market for its 'unmatched experience in the Nigerian petroleum industry'. Felicia Kemi Segun is ‘an invaluable adviser’, and Sola Adepetun is very experienced in handling project finance mandates relating to acquisition and divestment matters in the oil and gas sector. Other key areas of instruction for the team include project development matters, licensing and renewable energy M&A. Omolola Coker and Taiwo Afonja are regularly instructed by multinational energy and natural resources entities. Chinedu Kema and Adeleke Alao are singled out for their contributions.
Practice head(s):
Sola Adepetun; Felicia Kemi Segun; Taiwo Afonja
Other key lawyers:
Omolola Coker; Chinedu Kema; Adeleke Alao; Iyunola Adekanye; Josephine Udonsak
Testimonials
‘The firm has unmatched experience in all aspects of the Nigerian petroleum industry, from asset acquisitions to bid rounds, to asset divestments and general regulatory interface.’
‘The firm’s energy practice is very robust and strong. In my engagement with the firm, I found them to be hands-on with the work.’
‘The individuals I worked with always came across as very good listeners.’
Key clients
Decklar Petroleum Ltd
Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Nigeria Governors’ Forum
PAM Africa
Green Power Generation Company Limited
San Leon Energy Plc
Work highlights
- Advised San Leon Energy Plc on a reverse takeover transaction that would result in the acquisition of all shares in Midwestern Leon Petroleum Limited.
- Advised the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on an Electricity Bill.
- Advised the client on a US$45 million reserve-based lending facility from Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited for the continued development of its Nigerian upstream oil and gas asset.
G. Elias & Co
G. Elias & Co‘s practice stands out for its ‘excellent commercial expertise’. Under the joint leadership of Gbolahan Elias and Fred Onuobia, the team is recognised for its ‘deep expertise’ in handling domestic and international oil and gas transactions. Elias’ workload includes energy projects and structuring transactions, and Okechukwu Okoro has been kept busy advising on investments in the renewable energy space.
Practice head(s):
Gbolahan Elias; Okechukwu Okoro
Other key lawyers:
Fred Onuobia; Segun Omoregie
Testimonials
‘Excellent commercial knowledge.’
‘A commercial mindset.’
‘Deep expertise.’
‘360-degree thinking.’
‘Quick turnaround.’
Key clients
Macready Oil and Gas Services Company Limited
Sentinel Energy and Gas Ltd
Duport Midstream Company Limited
BUA International Limited
Siemens Energy Limited
Geoplex Drillteq Limited
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority
Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited
All On Partnerships for Energy Access Limited
Mojec International Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Macready and its consortium on the rehabilitation of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited’s (NPSC) crude oil and refined products pipelines.
- Advised Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority on the development and construction of a 10MW solar farm.
- Advised Energy Access Limited on providing multi-million dollar investment financings to renewable energy project developers.
Olaniwun Ajayi LP
The ‘brilliant, diverse, and very knowledgeable’ team at Olaniwun Ajayi LP handles a broad range of matters, including infrastructure project developments and M&A. Tominiyi Owolabi and Ibi Ogunbiyi are regularly instructed by government entities, while Wolemi Esan is an expert in advising on infrastructure, mining, and power assets. Damilola Salawu has expertise in advising on the acquisition and development of downstream, midstream, and upstream assets. Ganiyat Seriki is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Tominiyi Owolabi; Wolemi Esan; Ibi Ogunbiyi
Other key lawyers:
Damilola Salawu; Ganiyat Seriki; Folashade Oluya; Olamide Falom
Testimonials
‘A brilliant, diverse, and very knowledgeable team.’
‘The team was awesome and unique in its approach to client relationships.’
‘The coordination, resourcefulness, and management of Ibi Ogunbiyi was super. The quality of service delivered by the team was top notch and of international standard.’
‘Olaniwun Ajayi staffed our project with a team of brilliant individuals who provided high quality yet personable service. The team collaborated with our inhouse team regularly.’
‘Ganiyat Seriki demonstrated particularly impressive skill.’
Key clients
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Corporation
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Company Limited
NNPC E & P Limited
Nigeria LNG Limited
N-Gas Limited
International Finance Corporation
Dangote Industries Limited
Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited
Seplat Energy Plc
African Refinery Port Harcourt Limited
Suntrust Oil Company Limited
Gasland Company Limited
Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited
Aiteo Eastern E & P Limited
CMES-OMS Petroleum Development Company Limited
Sahara Group Limited
West Africa Gas Limited
ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited
COPDC Petroleum Development Company Limited
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
Genesis Hydrocarbon Limited
COPDC Petroleum Development
West African Exploration and Production Company Limited
Ingentia Energies Limited
SRS E & P Limited
Energia Limited
YYConnect Consulting Limited
Damas Petrochemical and Refinery Limited
Antan Producing Limited
HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited
Energy Company of the Future
Lagos State Government
First Global Commerce Solutions
FGN Power Company Limited
Africa Finance Corporation
FG Gold
Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advising NNPC E & P Limited on a landmark multi-billion-dollar development of upstream and midstream assets in the Kolmani River area of Northern Nigeria.
- Advising NNPC Limited on the divestment of Addax’s rights under certain production sharing contracts relating to OMLs.
- Advising ECOF on a long-term strategic investment in electricity distribution assets in Nigeria.
Templars
With a solid track record in handling power and infrastructure project development matters, the practice at Templars is also well-regarded for its strength in advising on oil and gas matters and transactional work. The department is jointly led by Dayo Okusami and Yemisi Awonuga, who brings expertise in advising on matters in the domestic petroleum sector. Desmond Ogba handles infrastructure financing and renewable energy matters, while Abimbola Atitebi is instructed in dispute resolution mandates. Ifure Udofa and Temple Ezebuike are key names in the group.
Practice head(s):
Dayo Okusami; Yemisi Awonuga
Other key lawyers:
Desmond Ogba; Abimbola Atitebi; Ifure Udofa; Temple Ezebuike; Damilola Oshodi; Oghogho Akpata; Clare Ohiro
Testimonials
‘Templars are exemplary. I have worked with Templars and its dynamism and proactive way of dealing with legal and contracting frameworks has been nothing short of stellar.’
‘The people are always ready to serve and always deliver in record time. Templars are the legal partner you need when undergoing any new revolutionary or best in class energy project in Nigeria.’
Key clients
Chevron Nigeria Limited
Svenska Petroleum Exploration AB
Total Energies
Vitol SA
Seplat Energy Plc
Oilserv Limited
Mota-Engil Engenharia E Construção Africa, S.A, Mota Engil Nigeria
Nigeria LNG Limited
The Floating Solar Company Limited
Sun Africa LLC
Rack Centre Limited
Elektron Energy Petroleum & Mining Limited
UTM Offshore Ltd
Oyo State Government
Skipper T&D DMCC, Skipper Nigeria Limited
Prime Oil Gas B V. (formerly Petrobras Oil and Gas B V.)
Africa Oilfield Movers Limited
Lamp Turnkey Project Limited
Eleva Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Sun Africa LLC on a joint venture with Sterling & Wilson Solar Solutions Inc for the development and construction of grid-connected solar power plants in Nigeria.
- Advising Oilserv Limited on Lot 1 of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company’s project, including upgrading storage depots and enhancing ancillary infrastructure.
ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode
The energy team at ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode garners praise for providing 'thorough legal advice' on a broad spectrum of matters, including related commercial agreements, the acquisition of assets, and contentious issues. Oghogho Makinde and Kofo Dosekun
co-lead the practice; Makinde has solid expertise in advising on environmental laws and permits, and both practitioners are instructed in project finance and regulatory work. Gbenga Oyebode and Oludare Senbore are key names for transactional matters. Olagoke Kuye is singled out for his contributions.
Practice head(s):
Kofo Dosekun; Oghogho Makinde
Other key lawyers:
Gbenga Oyebode; Oludare Senbore; Olagoke Kuye; Funmilayo Otsemobor; Victor Oluwajobi; Cephas Caleb
Testimonials
‘Aluko & Oyebode are very thorough in their legal advice.’
‘They are innovative and solution driven.’
‘Great response time.’
‘Reliable advice.’
‘Super responsive with good knowledge of the market.’
Key clients
Guaranty Trust Bank Limited
Petrogap Oil and Gas
A consortium of Contractors
Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC
First Bank of Nigeria Limited
Fidelity Bank Plc
First City Monument Bank Limited
Sterling Bank Plc
Work highlights
- Advised a consortium of contractors on all legal matters pertaining to the installation of a barrels refinery in Angola.
- Advised Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC on three differentiated cash reserve requirement facilities under the CBN Gas Intervention Fund Guidelines.
Bloomfield LP
Bloomfield LP’s broad workload includes energy financing, mini-grid projects, and power purchase agreements, and is well known for acting for international power and oil and gas companies. The team is led by Ayodele Oni who specialises in handling transactions and regulatory issues for clients in the oil and gas sector. Adedoyin Afun focuses on energy financing-related matters. Damilola Alada is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Ayodele Oni
Other key lawyers:
Adedoyin Afun; Damilola Alada
Key clients
Alaro City Development-Rendeavour
NigeriaAradel Energy Holdings Plc. (formely Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc)
Aradel Energy Limited (formerly known as Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited)
Aradel Refineries (formerly ND Refineries)
Belbop Nigeria Limited
Conoil Producing Limited
Cosgrove Energy Limited
Cosgrove Investment Limited
Daybreak Power Solutions Limited
DayStar Power Solutions Limited
eN Consulting and Projects Limited
Enaro Energy Limited
Enaro Energy Mini-Grid Limited
ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria Limited
Falcon Corporation
Fedikore Energy Limited
First Hydrocarbons Limited
Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria Limited
Greenville Energy Limited
Iganmu-GenCo Limited
Infini Power Limited
Intercontinental Capital for Africa Limited
Middle Band Solar One Limited
ND Western
Nextier Power Limited
Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission
Onewatt Solar Power Limited
Optimera Energy LFZE
Sapele Power Limited
Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited
Tetracore Energy Limited
World Bank Group
Work highlights
- Advised Optimera LFZE on the development of a gas infrastructure project within the Lagos Free Trade Zone.
- Advising GACN on the development of a project.
- Advised Conoil Producing Limited on exploration and production matters involving its upstream oil and gas assets.
Odujinrin & Adefulu
The team at Odujinrin & Adefulu garners praise for 'delivering analytical opinions on knotty issues in the energy and natural resources sector'. Renewable energy is a growing area of expertise for the group, which is adept at assisting domestic and international clients with structuring matters and advising on policy issues, notably in the oil and gas sector. Practice head Adeoye Adefulu is ‘top-notch’ and 'the go-to expert for advising on critical issues'.
Practice head(s):
Adeoye Adefulu
Testimonials
‘The team is adept at delivering analytical opinions on knotty issues in the energy & natural resources sector.’
‘Adeoye Adefulu’s expertise in the energy & natural resources sector remains top-notch. He is the go-to expert for advising on critical issues in the industry.’
Key clients
Chevron Nigeria Limited
Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited
First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited
Independent Petroleum Producers Group
Oando PLC
Star Deepwater Petroleum Development Limited
West Titan Energy Limited
Total Energies PLC
Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited
Vertex Energy Limited
Oriental Energy Resources Limited
FOT Associates Limited/ Guarantee
Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited
Geoplex Drillteg Limited
Savannah Energy & Technologies Innovation Limited
Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Work highlights
- Advised the Independent Petroleum Producers Groups (IPPG) on the review of draft regulations under the new Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
- Advised First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited on the establishment of the Host Community Development Trusts.
- Advised Geoplex Drillteq Limited on a negotiation and review of the Petroleum Prospecting Licence and Concession Contract issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
The practice at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie is home to a 'robust team of specialists' with a solid track record in handling energy and infrastructure projects. The ‘team player’ Nicholas Okafor handles greenfield and brownfield projects; Aniekan Ukpanah is well versed in advising on structuring and project financing matters; and Folake Elias-Adebowale advises on upstream and downstream petroleum work. Adeola Sunmola regularly advises on renewable energy developments, project finance and syndicated lending transactions; Onyinye Okafor is also active in the latter two areas. Victor Samuel and Godson Iwuozo have expertise in oil and gas, infrastructure and power transactions. Maryam Asabe Salami and Chisom Okolie are also singled out.
Practice head(s):
Aniekan Ukpanah; Folake Elias-Adebowale; Nicholas Okafor
Other key lawyers:
Adeola Sunmola; Onyinye Okafor; Victor Samuel; Godson Iwuozo; Maryam Asabe Salami; Chisom Okolie; Mesuabari Mene-Josiah
Testimonials
‘UUBO has a team of highly specialized professionals, each with a deep understanding of their respective fields. Notably, Nicholas Okafor and Godson Iwuozo have consistently demonstrated a profound knowledge of diverse areas of law, which has been instrumental in resolving complex legal matters.’
‘The members of the team are versatile and always very eager to resolve new challenges constantly sprouting in an ever-evolving commercial transaction.’
‘UUBO is a standout law firm that excels in providing comprehensive legal services, thanks to its exceptional team, commitment to innovation, and client-centric approach.’
‘UUBO has a robust team of specialists in various legal domains. The team understands the broader context in which their clients operate. The firm has embraced technology with open arms, streamlining their processes and enhancing client experiences.’
‘The UUBO team is well-versed with the issues and related solutions for the business of its clients.’
‘Nicholas Okafor is a very knowledgeable industry leader. He is very dependable and has put together a team that is very result oriented and diverse. They deliver on very complex transactions.’
‘Nicholas Okafor is a great team player, very welcoming to client’s ideas, and demonstrates his expertise.’
‘Folake Adebowale is very knowledgeable of Oil & Gas commercial transactions.’
Key clients
Oma Power Generation Limited
Sahara Energy Group
Mitsui
Vitol Group
Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited
Chapel Hill Denham
Nigerian Infrastructure Debt Fund
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company
Jotna and Engee PET Manufacturing Company Nigeria Limited
OCP Africa Fertilizer Nigeria Limited
Internacional Finance Corporation
AIPEC Oil and Gas Limited and AIPEC Properties Limited
Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited
Geometric Power Limited
Seplat Petroleum Development Company
Geometric Power Limited
CMA CGM Terminals Group
Mirova Sunfunder
Engie Energy Access
General Atlantic Service Company L.P. / Beyond Net Zero
OSM Maritime
Work highlights
- Advising APL Electric Company Limited in connection with the acquisition of the Aba Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
- Advised OSM Maritime on a proposed offshore acquisition of Thome Group, which has a Nigerian subsidiary, TOG Shipping and Offshore Management Nigeria Limited.
- Advised Engie Energy Access and its Nigerian subsidiary Engie Fenix Nigeria Limited on regulatory matters concerning its business model and contractual issues for the provision of off grid solar power facilities in Nigeria.
Abdulai, Taiwo & Co
Full-service firm Abdulai, Taiwo & Co has a solid track record in handling matters for clients in the energy, infrastructure, ports, and PPP spaces. Kunle Ayansola is well versed in advising on power asset purchase agreements, having extensive experience in the energy sector following his secondment at the Energy Company of Nigeria. Akin Osinbajo is a key name in the department for contentious work, and Ladi Taiwo fields expertise in handling infrastructure matters.
Practice head(s):
Kunle Ayansola; Ladi Taiwo; Akin Osinbajo
Other key lawyers:
Busola Awobona; Tope Coker
Key clients
African Refinery Port Harcourt Ltd.
Transmission Company of Nigeria
Bureau of Public Enterprises
Central Electric and Utilities Ltd.
China Energy Engineering Co. Ltd.
Sakr Power Generation Systems Ltd.
Solar Sisters Enterpreneurs Ltd. Gte.
AG Goldtrust Co. Ltd.
PV-Water International
Work highlights
- Advising African Refinery Port Harcourt Ltd. on establishing a USD 1.67 billion joint venture refinery with Petroleum Co. Ltd.
- Advising Sector Lead Limited on a waste-to-energy project.
- Advising Central Electric and Utilities and China Energy Engineering Company Ltd on a bid for the acquisition of Olorunsogo II Power Plant and Benin (Ihovbor) Generation Co.
Olajide Oyewole LLP
The practice at Olajide Oyewole LLP
continues to represent domestic and international clients in development projects, acquisition financing, lending matters and cross-border investment work. Practice head Dayo Idowu and Taiwo Peregrino are highly regarded for their expertise in corporate and project finance and M&A.
Practice head(s):
Dayo Idowu
Other key lawyers:
Taiwo Peregrino; Oluyemi Oyewole; Saheed Alao
Key clients
Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited
Oando Plc
The Company for Habitat and Housing in Africa (Shelter Afrique)
Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited
Mitsubishi Power Europe Limited
Argentil Capital Partners Limited
Powergas Nigeria Limited
Mobile Power Limited
BB Energy Nigeria Limited
First Modular Gas Systems Limited
Lekki Concession Company
Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Limited
Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries
Shell Plc
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited
Lagos State Government
Future Energies Africa Ltd
Lagata Group
Starsight Group
Work highlights
- Advised Shell Plc on its acquisition of Daystar Power Group.
- Acted as local counsel to Dogstar Mauritius on its merger with SolarAfrica Energy.
- Advised Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd/Quest Electricity Nigeria Limited on its acquisition of a 60% stake, valued at NGN19,000,000,000, in Yola Electricity Distribution Company Plc.