The Legal 500

Adepetun Caxton-Martins, Agbor & Segun has one of the leading oil and gas practices in Nigeria, and a ‘reputation for excellence’. Notable past work has included advising on the Nigerian marginal fields programme; and the Nigeria Sao-Tome et Principe Joint Development Zone. Sola Adepetun is known for his in-depth industry knowledge. Clients include Sasol Chevron and Energy Equity Resources.

AELEX regularly works with Clifford Chance in this sector and remains involved on some of the largest projects around. Highlights included acting for ExxonMobil on a $1bn 500MW independent power project (IPP). The firm is also advising on a pivotal master gas sale and aggregation agreement for wholesale gas supply in Nigeria. Gbite Adeniji is praised for his knowledge of the oil and gas industry.

Aluko & Oyebode is considered to be at the cutting edge of oil and gas finance, and has advised on a significant number of oil and gas transactions, including Korea National Oil Corporation’s acquisition of two deep-sea oil blocks in Nigeria; and the Nigerian aspects of the $925m buyout of ABB’s oil, gas and petrochemicals upstream business. Gbenga Oyebode and Olubunmi Fayokun both attract praise from clients.

F.O. Akinrele & Co has been at the forefront of major developments in the oil, gas and mineral sectors for over three decades. Developing areas of interest for the firm include the downstream petroleum products marketing sub-sector; and advising on the allocation of fresh oil acreages in Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Adedolapo Akinrele leads on energy activities, while Adamu Usman is well respected for his experience in energy-related corporate transactions.

With its origins in the delta region, Solola & Akpana has developed an extremely strong presence in this area. Work has included acting for major indigenous oil exploration and production company Moni Pulo on a range of matters; and advising ChevronTexaco, Total and Daewoo on various aspects of their local activities including tax and employment matters. Tope Solola leads the energy team.

Templars Barristers and Solicitors has been advising three separate purchasers on the acquisition of upstream assets divested by Shell, with one such transaction, for Afren plc, valued at $187m. Other work includes advising Seven Energy on the acquisition of an interest in the Stubb Creek Marginal Field. Dayo Okusami is ‘very professional and business oriented’ and provides ‘precise and objective legal advice’.

Ajumogobia & Okeke has significant involvement in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, and has particular expertise in the upstream market. Past work includes acting for the Secured Export Noteholders in the $330m OSO Natural Gas Liquids project; and assisting leading international law firms on financing for the new Nigerian oil fields. H Odein Ajumogobia is currently acting as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

Babalakin & Co has a growing presence in the energy market, working with Linklaters LLP on the winning bid to draft and prepare franchise agreements and other documentation for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources required for the implementation of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan. The firm has also completed a study for the government regarding policy aspects of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Fidelis Oditah & Co has a large energy dispute resolution practice and regularly advises on some of largest litigation and arbitration cases in Nigeria. Fidelis Oditah is recognised for his industry knowledge, and regularly advises the government on legal and regulatory frameworks for the exploration, development and exploitation of mineral resources in the country. Clients include Total and Shell.

G. Elias & Co. handles a significant amount of finance and transactional work for energy clients, and is also active in advising banks and other financial institutions on financing for energy projects. Recent work includes advising a multinational finance institution on financing for the provision of electricity generation facilities. The firm has also been active in M&A work in the oil sector.

Recent work for Jackson, Etti & Edu includes advising Acorn Petroleum Nigeria plc on its cross-border acquisition of a major downstream operator; and advising a major energy solutions company on a joint venture for the operation and expansion of a large bitumen and LPFO storage facility. The group also provides legal support to the Nigerian Electric Regulatory Commission.

Odujinrin & Adefulu has a growing client base and is ‘consistent in the quality of its service delivery, and goes the extra mile’. The firm advised on a cross-border expansion programme for an independent oil and gas company; and acted for Alstom on a landmark deal for the sale of gas-fired turbines to a state government in Nigeria. Adeoye Adefulu is praised for his ‘research, sector depth and breath, responsiveness and attention to detail’.

Tominiyi Owolabi of Olaniwun Ajayi & Co leads a practice focused on the development and financing of special projects in oil and gas, power and utilities and infrastructure development, among other areas. Its track record includes advising on ExxonMobil’s $600m satellite fields facility, and on the $274m Egbin Power Plant facility.

Paul Usoro & Co has solid experience in handling disputes in the energy sector, with past clients including the Shell Petroleum Development Company and the NNPC. Recent work includes acting at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in a complex and highly technical dispute over the ownership of oil wells; and acting as sole legal adviser to an independent power producer on the development of an IPP.

Perchstone & Graeys advises on the entire spectrum of work in the energy sector. Recent work includes acting as local adviser to BP on a crude oil processing agreement with the NNPC; and advising the Oil and Natural Gas Company of India in high-profile litigation relating to the award and revocation of oil licences. The firm ‘has a good level of support at all levels from partners though to associates’. Remi Okunlola is recommended.

Uche Nwokedi & Co Legal Practitioners (UNC) began as a specialist practice in oil and gas, and continues to act on innovative deals. It is currently advising Inducon Nigeria Limited on a claim for over $100m, which will settle, for the first time in the oil industry, matters relating to rights arising out of business development activities. Other clients include N Global Technologies and the NNPC.

Strong industry contacts have enabled Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie to develop a solid track record advising top-tier multinational and indigenous sector operators on large-scale power projects. The firm is also active in drafting key legislation and policy advice, and has previously assisted the World Bank on strategies for the development of Nigeria’s downstream gas sector.