Under the expert guidance of the ‘calm and measured’ Chuks Ibechukwu, the London office of Nigeria-based full-service firm Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP has established itself as a market leader for handling the English law aspects of Africa-based finance transactions for both lenders and borrowers. The scope of this work is broad-ranging and includes financings utilising both commercial and development finance-backed funding for project and debt finance transactions, particularly in the energy sector. Juanita Derex-Briggs is instrumental in contributing to the firm's success on the sponsor front, including on bilateral and syndicated transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Chuks Ibechukwu - great leader of the team, incredible source of knowledge and experience. He brings a calm and measured experience to the transaction and feel he is always around when needed.'
- 'Junita Derex-Briggs: her best skill is guiding and moving the process forward without needing to follow up at all. Chuks Ibechukwu: the partner in charge. he gets involved when needed and provides professional and efficient advice. Great at finding solutions to gating issues.'
Key clients
- Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited
- Dangote Cement Plc
Work highlights
Acting as international legal counsel to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in connection with its $3.3bn Royalties and Tax Crude Oil-Backed Prepayment Facility, known as Project Gazelle.
Practice head
Chuks Ibechukwu
Other key lawyers
Howard Barrie
Juanita Derex-Briggs
Akemi Kishimoto