Foundation Chambers > Lagos, Nigeria > Firm Profile

Foundation Chambers
7th Floor, Architecht’s Place
2 Idowu Taylor Street, PO Box 70611, Victoria Island
LAGOS
Nigeria

Nigeria > Shipping and transport Tier 2

Foundation Chambers is ‘well-respected’ and ‘well-recognised’ in the shipping sector, with a particular focus on the disputes space in which the firm acts on some of the most high-profile mandates, alongside additional transactional and project finance work. The team is led by Kashimana Tsumba, who brings her broad experience in maritime disputes, working alongside managing partner Luke Chidi Ilogu, who ‘has vast experience in maritime law, labour matters, dispute resolution and international law‘.

Practice head(s):

Luke Chidi Ilogu; Kashimana Tsumba

Testimonials

‘A strong maritime practice and well-respected in the market.’

‘Foundation Chambers is unique because of the good leadership, communication, access to resources and understanding of each team member.’

‘The team has a positive attitude and humility, and are consistently working hard.’

‘The professionalism which Foundation Chambers exhibits is outstanding. The firm has a way of dissecting briefs in a manner which shows an ability to look beyond the surface, and the team advises objectively without major emphasis on compensation. With immense information and experience over the years, they have been able to guide us into taking best decision through their opinions.’

‘Chidi Ilogu (SAN) has vast experience in maritime law, labour matters, dispute resolution and international law. We value his professionalism and meticulousness. Kashimana Tsumba has experience in company law, labour law and dispute resolution. We value her thoroughness and timeliness.

‘This is a highly professional legal practice. They are prompt in providing legal advise and other services, and they have a diverse and highly efficient workforce that includes women at the top levels. They are well-recognized in the Nigerian maritime industry.’

‘The team has attention to details, a fast response time, are highly professional and are well-versed in maritime practice.’

Key clients

Tin-can Island Container Terminal Ltd

Lagos and Niger Shipping Agencies Ltd

CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Ltd

Bollore Transport and Logistics Nigeria Ltd

Nigerian Ports Authority

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency

Ports & Cargo Handling Services Ltd

West African Ventures Limited

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria

Mariteam Nigeria Limited

Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria

Shippers Association of Nigeria

ENL Consortium Limited

Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (Kano Chapter)

Fatoun Logistics Ltd

Clyde & Co. Europe

Colmar Marine Nigeria Limited

Bourbon Interoil Nigeria Limited

ILF Engineers Nigeria Limited

RK Offshore Management Pte Ltd and RK Offshore Management Nig. Ltd

Work highlights

  • Reviewed and drafted extant Regulations made pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 for the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
  • Representing a group of terminal operators in the negotiation of the renewal of their 25-year lease agreements in transactions collectively worth US$25million.
  • Represented Alraine Shipping Agencies Ltd successfully in a US$1.8million cargo claim by IBWAS Ltd and Y. R. Onibipe & Sons Ltd.

The firm: Foundation Chambers is a specialised firm committed to high ethical standards in the provision of integrated legal services mainly to the maritime, aviation and oil and gas industries.

The firm was established in 1999 by Mr Luke Chukwudi Ilogu, SAN who was formerly a partner in the law firm of Abuka, Ajegbo, Ilogu & Nwaogu (AAIN), one of the foremost corporate law firms in Nigeria at the time.

Foundation Chambers commenced operations in September 1999 and specialises in international transportation law with competences in maritime, shipping, international trade, aviation and related areas. Currently, there are seven fee-earners in the practice and eight dedicated support staff.

The vision of the firm is to practise law with the highest Christian and ethical standards, providing quality services to its select clientele. To this end, the firm consists of practitioners with varied competences in its main areas of practice. Its core values are: integrity, diligence and excellence in service.

Areas of practice
International transportation: this department advises on all aspects of shipping and aviation law including: admiralty; shipping; carriage by sea; cargo claims; ship chartering; ship sale and purchase; ship financing and ship mortgages; cabotage compliance services; P&I clubs; marine insurance; maritime consultancy; legislative drafting; passenger/cargo claims; port terminal operations; wet and dry leasing of aircraft; aviation insurance; civil aviation compliance; carriage conventions; and consultancy services.

Oil and gas: this department advises on all aspects of oil and gas laws including: exploration and production contracts; promotion of oil and gas joint ventures; petroleum refinery; tanker operations and support services; local content services; industry health and safety issues; oil and gas project finance; and renewable energy and climate change

Corporate and commercial: this department handles all aspects of: corporate and commercial law; labour and tax law; project and asset finance; international trade and documentary credits; telecommunications; and company secretarial services.

Litigation/alternative dispute resolution (ADR): the firm also undertakes litigation, mediation and arbitration relating to its areas of practice.

Department Name Email Telephone
Admiralty Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Admiralty Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle m.jaiye-gbenle@foundationchambers.com
Admiralty Joseph Amadi j.amadi@foundationchambers.com
Admiralty Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Arbitration Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Arbitration Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Arbitration Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle m.jaiye-gbenle@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Juliana Okeke J.okeke@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Paul Adetipe p.adetipe@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Joseph Amadi j.amadi@foundationchambers.com
Aviation Adedamola Kikiowo a.kikiowo@foundationchambers.com
Capital market operations Juliana Okeke J.okeke@foundationchambers.com
Capital market operations Paul Adetipe p.adetipe@foundationchambers.com
Capital market operations Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Commercial and corporate transactions Juliana Okeke J.okeke@foundationchambers.com
Commercial and corporate transactions Paul Adetipe p.adetipe@foundationchambers.com
Commercial and corporate transactions Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle m.jaiye-gbenle@foundationchambers.com
Company secretarial services Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Company secretarial services Juliana Okeke J.okeke@foundationchambers.com
Company secretarial services Paul Adetipe p.adetipe@foundationchambers.com
Maritime consultancy Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Maritime consultancy Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle m.jaiye-gbenle@foundationchambers.com
Maritime consultancy Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Marine and aviation insurance Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Marine and aviation insurance Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Marine and aviation insurance Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle m.jaiye-gbenle@foundationchambers.com
Oil and gas Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Oil and gas Joseph Amadi j.amadi@foundationchambers.com
Oil and gas Adedamola Kikiowo a.kikiowo@foundationchambers.com
Ship financing and chartering Luke Chidi Ilogu (SAN) c.ilogu@foundationchambers.com
Ship financing and chartering Kashimana Tsumba k.tsumba@foundationchambers.com
Ship financing and chartering Joseph Amadi j.amadi@foundationchambers.com
Ship financing and chartering Adedamola Kikiowo a.kikiowo@foundationchambers.com
Photo Name Position Profile
Luke Chidi Ilogu photo Mr Luke Chidi Ilogu Mr. L. Chidi Ilogu (SAN) is the Senior Partner of Foundation Chambers, a…
Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle photo Mrs Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle Senior Counsel
Adedamola Kikiowo photo Mr Adedamola Kikiowo Counsel I
Kashimana Tsumba photo Ms Kashimana Tsumba Partner
Number of lawyers : 7
Number of Admin Staff : 8
English
French
Nigerian Bar Association
Chartered Insitute of Arbitrators
Centre for Petroleum Information
International Bar Association
Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria
Nigerian Chamber of Shipping
Nigerian Maritime Law Association
Capital Market Solicitors Association of Nigeria
Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
Other offices : Abuja*
Other offices : Port Harcourt*