The New Practice (TNP) > Lagos, Nigeria > Firm Profile

The New Practice (TNP)
49 RAYMOND NJOKU STREET
SOUTH-WEST IKOYI
LAGOS
Nigeria

Nigeria > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

The ‘very diligent‘ team at The New Practice (TNP) is adept at handling bond issuances, project finance matters and REIT mandates. Baba Alokolaro and Genevieve Henshaw have expertise in capital markets, and Bukola Bankole is sought after by technology start-up clients. Temitope Sowunmi is well versed in advising on private equity and infrastructure finance, as well as regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Baba Alokolaro; Bukola Bankole

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very diligent and willing to offer bespoke solutions to each individual client’s needs.’

‘The team is very hands-on with negotiations and ensures collaboration between contracting parties. This plays a crucial role in closing deals.’

‘Bukola Bankole has in-depth knowledge of complex commercial law matters. Temitope Sowunmi was extraordinary.’

Key clients

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc

Transport Services Limited

Geregu Power Plc

UAC Nigeria Plc

Bilaad Realty Nigeria Limited

Godmade Homes Limited

Coceptive Services Limited

Landwey Investment Limited

Rensource Commercial Industries Limited

MTN Nigeria Communications

Work highlights

  • Assisted Flour Mills of Nigeria with the issuance of its NGN40 billion Series 1 bonds under the NGN200 billion bond issuance programme.
  • Advised on the establishment of a NGN10 billion Sukuk programme by Bilaad Realty Nigeria Limited.
  • Assisted Godmade Homes Limited with its NGN20 billion commercial paper issuance programme.

Nigeria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

The ‘responsive and proactive’ team at The New Practice (TNP) advises clients on a broad spectrum of transactional matters. Baba Alokolaro stands out as 'a consummate professional’; Bukola Bankole’s practice includes corporate finance, M&A and private equity work. Sam Esuga brings experience in project finance and tax issues.

Practice head(s):

Baba Alokolaro; Bukola Bankole

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Baba Alokolaro is a stand-out! He is a consummate professional and distinguishes himself by the quality of discourse with our board.’

‘Bukola and Baba each distinguish themselves through their agility, personalisation, and future-ready approach.’

‘The firm is collaborative and so team members are always on top of client matters. It is professional in its approach and anticipatory of our demands. The New Practice is nimble, responsive, proactive and displays a deep knowledge of the subject matter.’

‘TNP brings a fresh approach that aligns with the unique demands of contemporary businesses and investors in Nigeria, particularly from a venture capital perspective.’

‘TNP has established a forward-thinking focus on servicing start-ups and, innovators, catering to the unique needs of young businesses.’

Key clients

MFS Africa Limited

Microsoft Nigeria Limited

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc

Nigerian Bottling Company

Capricorn Digital Limited

VFD Group

Paystack Payments Limited

Pagatech Limited

Nature’s Bounty Health Products Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Flour Mills Group on a Scheme of Merger involving 13 different entities.
  • Advised Microsoft Group on the internal reorganisation of its Nigerian entities.
  • Advised Capricorn Digital Limited on the proposed acquisition of a Micro-Finance Bank.

Nigeria > Real estate and construction

The New Practice (TNP)'s team, which is jointly led by Bukola Bankole and managing partner Baba Alokolaro, has solid expertise in handling large-scale infrastructure development projects.
Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate finance Baba Alokolaro
Infrastructure Baba Alokolaro
Energy and natural resources Babajimi Ayorinde
Dispute resolution Babajimi Ayorinde
Private equity Bukola Bankole
E-commerce Idoko Ochai
Information and communication Idoko Ochai
Intellectual property Genevieve Henshaw
Number of lawyers : 10
English
Yoruba
Hausa
Association of International Petroleum Negotiators
International Bar Association
Africa Equity & Venture Capital Association

TNP is an Andersen Global collaborating firm operating from two offices located in Nigeria’s major commercial hubs – Lagos and Abuja. We are distinguished by our ability to offer clients simplified innovative solutions in diverse areas of law, including corporate finance and private equity, capital markets, M&A, fintech, e-commerce, technology, media, telecommunications, intellectual property, energy and natural resources and dispute resolution.

Team TNP is reputed for our ability to consistently provide strong, tailor-made solutions, creating value, and staying ahead of the ever-changing scope of the business world.

At TNP, we are client-driven and goal-oriented in understanding and protecting clients’ respective business interests, industries, and peculiar needs, utilizing all these to proffer innovative tools, solutions, and alternatives towards achieving our clients’ financial and business goals.

As a result, we have played key roles in our clients’ successes, achieving remarkable results evidenced by some of the ‘Firsts’ (novel transactions) achieved locally. Everything about TNP is dynamic, which is why, we are constantly changing the legal landscape by providing ideas and solutions that have caught the attention of legal journals, local and international firms. We are not just a team of lawyers; we are strategic business advisers.

Department Name Email Telephone
Commercial, Corporate and M&A; Real Estate & Construction and Banking, Finance & Capital Markets Baba Alokolaro baba@tnp.com.ng
Energy & Natural Resources, Dispute Resolution and Intellectual Property Babajimi Ayorinde babajimi@tnp.com.ng
Commercial, Corporate and M&A, Real Estate & Construction, Banking, Finance & Capital Markets, Intellectual Property Bukola Bankole bukola@tnp.com.ng
Number of lawyers : 20
English (fluent)
French
Yoruba
Igbo
Hausa
African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Capital Markets Solicitors Association
IBA (International Bar Association)
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
Abuja Office : Suite 302, Yobe Investment House, Plot 1332 Ralph Shodeinde Street, CBD Abuja

CLIENT: Ayodele Arogbo
COMPANY/FIRM: Synergy Capital Managers
TESTIMONIAL: We have had the privilege of working closely with The New Practice (‘’TNP’’ or ‘’the Firm’’) over a number of years where they have acted as our legal advisers on transactions and acquisitions in Nigeria & Ghana. The service provided by TNP has been exceptional as they have consistently advised us on efficient and effective solutions to meet our legal and commercial needs as a private equity fund manager. TNP has displayed consummate professionalism, sector knowledge and vast experience as corporate and M&A lawyers. A big part of their success story stems from the relentless work ethic of the TNP team


CLIENT: Ladi Balogun
COMPANY/FIRM: Tenet Investment Company
TESTIMONIAL: I have worked with TNP for the past five years. During this time, they have provided transactional services, drafted several agreements and provided company secretarial services to various companies in our portfolio in Africa. I find them to be highly professional and client focused. The quality of the firm’s personnel is very high at all levels that I have encountered, and the partners continue to give a very personal touch to the relationship. I have been impressed, and not altogether surprised as to how they have grown and differentiated themselves in an otherwise crowded market. I would enthusiastically recommend them to others.


CLIENT: Tayo Oviosu
COMPANY/FIRM: Pagatech Ltd
TESTIMONIAL: TNP has been with us from inception and we can say they have been an integral part of our operations. Their team is great at what they do, which is providing solutions for startups/FinTech’s in need of structure in an environment that wasn’t prepared for it. Through the ups and downs, TNP has been there for us, steadfast and stoic, and for that, we are deeply appreciative. Paga has experienced epic expansions over the years and TNP has been instrumental to us securing PE and VC funding. They really are a unique practice.”


CLIENT: Joseph Umolu
COMPANY/FIRM: Flour Mills Nigeria Plc
TESTIMONIAL: Whenever we have a complex legal task, we know we can always count on TNP for quality legal advice. Whether it be a capital market transaction, multifaceted M&A deal, or  an energy-related project, TNP has always taken the time to understand our needs and provide solutions that are tailor-made for us. We enjoy a unique relationship with this prestigious law firm and we cannot emphasize enough their impact on the local legal industry. We are proud to be partners with TNP.


CLIENT: Shola Akindele
COMPANY/FIRM: Paystack
TESTIMONIAL: TNP is committed to startups, and has provided us in particular, with the structure we needed to attain the highest levels of corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Paystack has achieved milestones beyond our expectations over the past few years and TNP has been critical to our success.