Templars > Lagos, Nigeria > Firm Profile
Templars Offices
5TH FLOOR, THE OCTAGON
13 A, AJ MARINHO DRIVE
VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS
Nigeria
- Go to...
- Rankings
Templars > The Legal 500 Rankings
Nigeria > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Templars is well regarded for its 'high-quality advice' and 'in-depth experience in project finance transactions on the sponsors’ side'. The 'knowledgeable' Zelda Akindele co-heads the practice with Chike Obianwu, who handles debt restructuring work within Nigeria and Ghana; Desmond Ogba, who has experience in debt capital markets; and Dupe Saba, who brings expertise in debt financing matters and regularly acts for clients in the petrochemical area. Obianuju Ifebunandu handles foreign and private equity investments, and Osarugue Izekur advises on project and structured finance. Modupe Dabiri is a key name in the practice.Practice head(s):
Chike Obianwu; Zelda Akindele; Desmond Ogba; Dupe Saba
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘What makes this practice unique is their in-depth experience in project finance transactions on the sponsors’ side.’
‘Templars brings on board a vast range of people with the expertise to do the job.’
‘Τemplars has always been very reliable and always on top of the latest legal developments. The team always offers sound and timely advice.’
‘The team is responsive and provides high-quality advice within the timelines needed.’
‘Zelda Akindele and the team is knowledgeable and very detailed. Available on short notice to offer solutions to every problem.’
‘A standout partner is Dupe Saba. She pays the utmost attention to detail and over the course of her career has developed relationships with key stakeholders in regulatory agencies involved in PPP transactions.’
Key clients
Lagos Free Zone Company
Badagry Port Development Limited
Elektron Petroleum and Engineering Limited
African Foundries Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Lagos Free Zone Company on the issuance of a NGN1.75 billion 20-year Series 3 senior guaranteed fixed rate corporate infrastructure bond.
- Advised Elektron Petroleum and Engineering Limited on the equity and debt financing of its subsidiaries for the development of independent power plants in Nigeria.
Nigeria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Templars is highly regarded for its strength in M&A, and regularly represents clients in the financial services, fast-moving consumer goods and oil and gas sectors. Chike Obianwu has strong capabilities in financing matters, and Olumide Akpata advises local and international corporations on corporate compliance, governance, and restructuring issues. Ijeoma Uju advises multinational clients on foreign investment matters. Inam Wilson and Obianuju Ifebunandu are also singled out for their contributions.Practice head(s):
Olumide Akpata; Chike Obianwu; Inam Wilson; Ijeoma Uju
Other key lawyers:
Obianuju Ifebunandu; Zelda Akindele; Desmond Ogba; Oghomwen Akpaibor; Adenike Oyeledun
Testimonials
‘The team has great depth and versatility and has been at the forefront of some of the most major deals in Nigeria.’
‘The partners are hands-on and involved and do not defer work to hierarchical bureaucracies.’
‘Superb client service, attention to detail, and superior knowledge and command of the law.’
Key clients
Actis West Africa Income Manager
General Electric
Walmart Incorporated
American Towers Corporation
Alphabet Inc. (Google)
Venture Garden Group
Backbone Connectivity Network Limited
Brompton Industries Pte Limited
Fidelity Bank Plc
Engie
Kantar Group Holdings Limited
Sika AG
Fidelity Bank Plc
Tower Power Utilities Limited
Emerson Group
Petralon Energy Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Actis on a potential acquisition of a 50% stake in Gruppo Investment Nigeria Limited.
- Advised Backbone Connectivity Network Limited (BCN) on its acquisition of Cloud Exchange West Africa Nigeria Limited.
- Advising MasterCard in connection with its US$200 million equity investment in MTN’s fintech business.
Nigeria > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Templars garners praise for its 'expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, pre-dispute advisory services, and litigation'. Practice head Adewale Atake is regularly instructed by banks, international corporations, and oil companies in a broad range of disputes. Tax litigation is a key area of strength for Godwin Omoaka, Sesan Sulaiman, and Igonikon Adekunle, while Orji Agwu Uka and Izuchukwu Ohajinwa are active in international arbitration. Commercial and public law litigator Stanley U. Nweke-Eze and Munachiso Michael are singled out for their contributions. Victor Igwe has left the firm.Practice head(s):
Adewale Atake
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team has expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, pre-dispute advisory services, and litigation.’
‘Templars has a great team who go over and beyond to deliver for clients.’
‘The team assigned to us was very approachable and took the time to ensure that it was abreast of all regulations and laws.’
‘The team comprises fantastic individuals who make working with Templars as seamless and pleasurable as possible.’
‘Igonikon Adekunle is an experienced and knowledgeable dispute resolution counsel.’
Key clients
Zupt LLC
Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited
Google LLC
Shell Petroleum Development Corporation of Nigeria
Google Global Services Nigeria Limited
Nigeria LNG Limited (“NLNG”)
Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria Limited
Total Energies EP Nigeria Limited
Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited
Sparkle Microfinance Bank Limited
MRS Oil Nigeria Limited
Work highlights
- Representing an IOC and its shareholders in US$1.3 Billion arbitration and related litigation proceedings pursuant to a joint operating agreement.
- Representing Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited before the Federal High Court regarding the enforcement of an arbitration clause under a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement in connection with a US$20 million claim.
- Representing Zupt LLC in a US$2,000,000 commercial dispute relating to the enforcement of a non-exclusive Collaboration Agreement in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Nigeria > Energy and natural resources Tier 1
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.