Hall Of Fame

Banking, finance and capital markets in Nigeria

Aluko & Oyebode

Aluko & Oyebode regularly advises leading Nigerian and multinational financial institutions on matters ranging from trade and project financings to debt and equity capital markets transactions. The team advises, more often than not, lenders and issuers across various sectors and regularly on international work. The practice has been active in the oil and gas sector, as well as construction and infrastructure projects. The co-head of the team, Kofo Dosekun, leads several offshore cross-border project finance transactions whilst Olubunmi Fayokun is the firm’s capital markets specialist. Ajibola Asolo leads on Fintech and start-up projects. Other recommended lawyers include Reginald Udom, Ayodeji Oyetunde, Oludare Senbore and Funmilayo Otsemobor

Praxisleiter:

Kofo Dosekun; Olubunmi Fayokun


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Reginald Udom; Oludare Senbore; Ayodeji Oyetunde; Funmilayo Otsemobor; Ajibola Asolo


Kernmandanten

Access Holdings Plc


Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc


Axxela Limited


Sterling Development Realties Limited


FCMB Asset Management Limited


Africa Finance Corporation


AbuDhabi Commercial Bank PJSC


Emirates NDB Bank P.J.S.C


Access Bank Plc


Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited


FirstRand Bank Limited


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited


Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting as Nigerian Counsel to Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc in connection with its capital raise through an offer for subscription of 9bn ordinary shares of 0.50k each at ₦44.50.
  • Acted as Nigerian counsel to a global syndicate of 11 lenders in connection with the landmark $1.16bn equivalent, dual currency facility provided to Africa Finance Corporation.
  • Acted as solicitor to FCMB Asset Management Limited and TLG Capital Investments Limited on the establishment of a ₦100bn FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund, the first of its kind in the Nigerian capital markets.

Banwo & Ighodalo

Banwo & Ighodalo possesses ‘vast experience when it comes to banking and commercial law,’ which positions it well to advise on a range of transactional and regulatory issues pertaining to banking, finance and capital market-related matters. Whilst the team regularly acts for borrowers on financing and lending matters, often relating to real estate and infrastructure projects, they are equally capable of assisting banks and financial institutions with drafting, reviewing and negotiating documentation across multiple investment arrangements. Asue Ighodalo has vast experience managing significant corporate financings. Ayotunde Owoigbe, Seyi Bella and Azeezah Muse-Sadiq are key members of the team.

Praxisleiter:

Asue Ighodalo; Ayotunde Owoigbe


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Azeezah Muse-Sadiq; Seyi Bella; Ayodele Adeyemi-Faboya; Femi Olubanwo


Referenzen

‘Banwo & Ighodalo’s banking and finance team are head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. What sets them apart from the rest is their commercial savviness, attention to detail and impeccable quality of work.’

‘Seyi Bella has a tremendous wealth of experience and has a very good understanding of both legal and commercial issues on transactions. She is a great negotiator and is the type of lawyer that you would want to have on your side of the table in a complex deal.

‘Banwo & Ighodalo has built a reputation for having vast experience when it comes to banking and commercial law.’

Kernmandanten

African Export-Import Bank


Access Bank Plc


FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited


Meristem Finance Limited


Moove Nigeria B.V.


The Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Access Holdings PLC


Fidelity Bank PLC


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited


Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited


Actis Capital


Africa Finance Corporation


Ecobank Nigeria Limited


United States International Development Finance Corporation


Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc


Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC


Lagos State Government


Standard Chartered Bank


Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC


MTN Nigeria Communications Plc


Dangote Cement Plc


Lagos State Government


FCMB Group Plc


Stanbic IBTC


Cadbury Nigeria PLC


Mecure Industries PLC


Banco BTG Pactual S.A., Cayman Branch


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted as Nigerian borrower’s counsel to Access Bank Plc in connection with a $75m debt facility made available to the borrower by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
  • Acted as co-counsel to the issuer with respect to Fidelity Bank PLC’s Capital Raise of up to ₦127.1bn by way of a public offer of 10bn Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at ₦9.75 per share and rights issue of 3.2m ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at ₦9.25 per share.
  • Acted as counsel to the issuer with respect to Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC’s offer for subscription of 9bn ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N44.50 per share.

G. Elias & Co

G. Elias & Co acts on some of Nigeria’s most significant banking, finance and capital markets matters across all sectors of the economy. With activity in oil and gas, transport and manufacturing, amongst other industries, the firm has unquestionable expertise and the ability to manage the needs of their clients, which include notable public bodies and international financial institutions. The team advises on a range of transaction types and credit products including Eurobonds, refinancings and corporate bonds,  as well as specialising in capital market issues such as initial public offerings. Fred Onuobia, SAN and Segun Omoregie co-lead the team. Onuobia focus his practice on handling financings for both private and public companies whilst Omoregie advises on numerous capital markets transactions. The experienced Gbolahan Elias, SAN remains a highly influential team member whilst Michelle Chikezie is an increasingly important junior partner. Amanda Opara and Amarachi Ikevude are key associates within the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Fred Onuobia, SAN; Segun Omoregie


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gbolahan Elias, SAN; Michelle Chikezie; Amarachi Ikevude; Amanda Opara


Kernmandanten

The Federal Government of Nigeria


Lagos State Government


Union Bank of Nigeria Plc


Transnational Corporation Plc


GLNG Funding SPV Plc


Transcorp Power Plc


VFD Group Plc


Africa Export Import Bank


The Export Import Bank of China


Citibank N.A


Citibank Nigeria Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised as solicitors to the Federal Government of Nigeria on a $2bn bond programme, a first-of-its-kind USD-denominated bond issuance by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Debt Management Office.
  • Advised as transaction solicitor to Transcorp Power Plc’s listing on the main board of the Nigerian Exchange Group at a market capitalization of ₦1.8tn.
  • Advised a syndicate of lenders led by the African-Export Import Bank on a $3.3bn crude-oil-backed prepayment facility sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Olaniwun Ajayi LP

Olaniwun Ajayi LP offers a broad range of financial services to lenders and borrowers, with notable activity in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The practice demonstrates ‘expertise in prepayment financing, corporate and project finance, and infrastructure finance.’ Tominiyi Owolabi manages the firm’s oil and gas activity, whilst Wolemi Esan, SAN, described as a ‘thought leader and always available to provide advice on complex matters,’ heads the power and infrastructure group. Yewande Senbore has considerable expertise in cross-border financing transactions as well as deep knowledge of debt and equity capital markets. Ibi Ogunbiyi and Folake Alabi are key lawyers. Ogechi Onuoha is an important associate.

Praxisleiter:

Tominiyi Owolabi; Wolemi Esan, SAN; Yewande Senbore; Ibi Ogunbiyi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Folake Alabi; Ogechi Onuoha


Referenzen

‘The banking, finance and capital markets practice consists of exceptional individuals who pay attention to detail, are readily available to meet client needs, and are extremely detail-oriented. The team is constituted of market leaders who have a depth of experience within the banking and financing sector, handling complex transactions.’

‘The banking, finance and capital markets practice at Olaniwun Ajayi has an established crop of lawyers, who pay great attention to detail and are second to none in terms of quality.’

‘Strong personalities with very easily identifiable knowledge that gives you confidence.’

Kernmandanten

International Finance Corporation


Africa Development Bank


Africa Agriculture and Trade Investment Fund


First Bank of Nigeria


Fidelity Bank plc


Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund


Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc


African Frontier Capital (Mauritius) LLC


Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation Limited


Lagos State Government


British International Investment


Zenith Bank Plc


Nigerian Exchange Group


Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited


Nigerian Exchange Limited


Wema Bank Plc


Deutsche Bank AG, London


Development Bank of Nigeria


FCMB Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Zenith Bank Plc on its ₦300bn equity capital raise by way of rights issue and a public offer.
  • Advising Africa Finance Corporation with respect to the proposed financing for the development of a natural gas to methanol production facility in Qua Iboe, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
  • Advising Fidelity Bank Plc counsel in connection with the provision of the equity finance facility in the aggregate sum of ₦65bn to R28 Limited.

Templars

The Templars team, which is described as ‘responsive with a wide range of technical expertise,’ provides a comprehensive range of services to both domestic and international lenders, as well as private corporations operating in a range of industries. The practice offerings include a comprehensive range of structuring, finance and regulatory services as well as capital market issues such as Eurobond and high-yield issuances. Chike Obianwu leads the team, leaning on his vast experience as both a lawyer and working in financial services. Zelda Akindele is noted by clients for her strong expertise and availability. Desmond Ogba focuses his practice on energy and infrastructure projects.

Praxisleiter:

Chike Obianwu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Desmond Ogba; Zelda Akindele


Referenzen

‘The Templars team has a solid understanding of finance and capital market issues. They were responsive, proactive and always had a partner in attendance at every meeting. ’

‘Zelda Akindele was the partner on the transaction the firm was engaged for. She attended every meeting over the course of the transaction, which spanned three months.’ 

‘Zelda Akindele has been my point person and has been available at all times to respond to my clients’ queries/issues.

Kernmandanten

African Development Bank


Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority


Unipec UK Co Limited


Chapel Hill Denham Management


Clifford Chance LLP


Enerflex Limited


Standard Bank of South Africa


Actis West Africa Income Managers Limited


United Capital Trustees Limited


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria


Eat ‘N’ Go Limited


Nigerian Breweries plc


Abuja Steel Mills Limited


African Foundries Limited


Coronation Asset Management Limited


Elektron Petroleum and Engineering Limited


Renaissance Securities Nigeria Limited


Access Holdings Plc


International Finance Corporation


Afrinvest Trustees Limited


Helios Anchor Maritime Limited


BNP Paribas and Unicredit Bank GMBH


Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie

Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie‘s banking, finance and capital markets team ‘excels with a well-rounded practice and cross-border capabilities, making it a top choice for complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.’ The practice offers a comprehensive scope of services to both borrowers and lenders. The team has particular nous in handling cross-jurisdiction investment from major international financing bodies into Nigerian industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure and construction. Yinka Edu is a capital markets expert, whilst Adeola Sunmola is a specialist in project and corporate financing, with vast experience handling cross-border matters. Joseph Eimunjeze is a key lawyer and Onyinye Okafor is recommended for her ‘responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to simplify complex issues.’ Lisa Esamah is a skilled associate.

Praxisleiter:

Yinka Edu; Adeola Sunmola; Joseph Eimunjeze; Onyinye Okafor


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Aniekan Ukpanah; Nicholas Okafor; Lisa Esamah; Chisom Okolie


Referenzen

‘Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie is renowned for its deep expertise in Nigeria’s legal landscape, particularly in sectors such as banking, finance, oil and gas, and corporate commercial practice. The firm’s standout strength lies in its ability to provide tailored, commercially-minded solutions, coupled with strong regulatory and litigation expertise.’

‘The firm excels with a well-rounded practice and cross-border capabilities, making it a top choice for complex, multi-jurisdictional matters. Their team is known for being responsive, technically proficient, and practical in their legal advice.’

‘UUBO is a trusted, full-service firm, offering unparalleled expertise and client-focused legal solutions. ’

Kernmandanten

British International Investment plc


Africa Finance Corporation


Standard Chartered Bank


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


J.P Morgan Securities PLC


Deutsche Investitions – und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH


FCC Securities B.V.


STL Trustees Limited


FBN Quest Trustees Limited


ABSA Bank Limited


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited


European Investment Bank


Jotna Nigeria Limited


Barak Fund SPC Limited


BUA Cement Plc


Seplat Energy Plc


International Finance Corporation


International Fund for Agricultural Development


Geometric Power Limited


Echosys Invest


Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited


Sahara Energy Group


Johnvent Industries Limited


Chapel Hill Denham


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting as joint solicitor to a fund in connection with the establishment of an ₦1tn infrastructure fund.
  • Acting as joint solicitor to the issuer regarding the upsizing of MTN’s CP Programme from ₦150bn to ₦250bn.
  • Advising BII in relation to the $26.5m secured loan facility to AFEX Group.

AELEX

The ‘proactive and knowledgeable’ team at AELEX counsels clients on a breadth of banking, finance and capital market-related transactions under Nigerian jurisdiction. The firm advises on diverse financial transactions, including credit arrangements, securities, public offerings, investment funds, Islamic finance, and project finance. Regularly, the practice provides support to lenders investing in the oil and gas sector. Team leader Lawrence Fubara Anga, SAN advises global clients on direct and portfolio investments in Nigeria. The ‘very knowledgeable’ Sina Sipasi is a key team member.

Praxisleiter:

Lawrence Fubara Anga, SAN


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sina Sipasi


Referenzen

‘AELEX is a solid legal practice in Nigeria with good expertise in the energy and resources sectors.’

‘Sina Sipasi is very knowledgeable in the energy sector and a good person to call to get a clear and efficient answer from if you have a question in these fields in Nigeria.’

‘The AELEX team comprises seasoned attorneys who are experts in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of local laws, ensuring that we receive the best possible advice and representation. They are pragmatic and always available and also offer competitive prices.’

Kernmandanten

EMTS


Keystone Bank


Nigerian Stock Exchange


Securities Solutions Limited


Emerging Markets Payment West Africa Limited


PayU Payments Nigeria Limited


Sentinel Exploration & Production Company Ltd


Vitol SA


African Development Bank


Debevoise Plimpton


Cedar Consortium


Ecobank Nigeria Limited


FBN Capital Limited


Dangote Cement Plc


AFEX Commodities Exchange


Callphone Limited


Clickatell Nigeria Limited


Grand Towers PLC


AFEX Investment Limited


Sproutpay Limited


Piggytech Global Limited


Eagle Global Markets


CSL Stockbrokers Limited


International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation


CSL Pay Limited


The Shecluded Company Limited


Abeg Technologies Limited


Money Africa


Luno Fintech Nigeria Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a syndicate of lenders comprising local commercial banks and a multi-national export credit agency in connection with a proposed $207m financing of the development of a modular hydroskimming refinery with a production capacity of 12,000 barrels per day in Nigeria.
  • Advising a syndicate of foreign lenders on proposed financing of up to $100m to a foreign energy company for the acquisition of 49% interest in an oil field.

Dentons ACAS-Law

Leaning on its international network, Dentons ACAS-Law handles numerous cross-border matters, often acting for international financial institutions investing in Nigeria. The team provides counsel to both lenders and borrowers in issues relating to the refinancing and restructuring of transactions, with notable activity in the energy, infrastructure and oil and gas sectors. Ben Unaegbunam co-leads the team with Omolola Coker. Coker regularly advises private and public bodies, whether they be lenders, sponsors or borrowers, on different financing arrangements across various sectors of the economy.

Praxisleiter:

Ben Unaegbunam; Omolola Coker


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sanford Mba


Referenzen

‘The team is highly skilful and knowledgeable with vast practice experience that they bring to bear in every transaction. They are committed to delivering value and great with their coordination and collaborative capacity.’

‘Sanford Mba is a great team player, with fantastic communication skills, with attention to detail. He makes great professional input to work and delivers with speed.’

Kernmandanten

Sterling Bank Plc


Arve Limited


Mauritius Commercial Bank


Africa Finance Corporation


FBNQuest Trustees Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Africa Finance Corporation in connection with the transition from LIBOR as the benchmark rate to the SOFR.
  • Providing legal advisory services to Arve Limited in connection with a debt facility to be provided by Jumia.
  • Advised Mauritius Commercial Bank in relation to the establishment of a representative office in Nigeria.

Jackson, Etti & Edu

Led by Taiwo Adeshina, Jackson, Etti & Edu‘s banking, finance and capital markets team demonstrates ‘deep expertise in handling complex finance transactions, regulatory compliance, and cross-border financing’ for a range of clients. Whilst the team regularly advises financial institutions lending into Nigerian industries such as healthcare, they are also adept in counselling corporations looking to borrow or finance. Folasade Olusanya is highly active, regularly advising on traditional bank lending and debt and equity financing.

Praxisleiter:

Taiwo Adeshina


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Folasade Olusanya


Referenzen

‘The JEE team stands out for its deep expertise in handling complex finance transactions, regulatory compliance, and cross-border financing. The team combines technical legal knowledge with commercial insight to provide tailored, strategic solutions that align with clients’ business objectives. With a focus on innovation, they offer cutting-edge technology, and proactive risk management, ensuring clients receive efficient, future-focused counsel.’

‘The individuals I work with stand out for their exceptional legal expertise, client-focused approach and strong collaborative skills. Their ability to anticipate client needs, offer practical solutions, and maintain open communication sets them apart from competitors.’

‘Excellent service delivery.’

Kernmandanten

Bank of Africa United Kingdom Plc


Export Import Bank of India


Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited


FirstRand Merchant Bank


Stanbic IBTC Bank


Rand Merchant Bank of Nigeria


Stanbic IBTC Capital


Global Appliances Nigeria Limited


FCMB Group Plc


River Jamieson SPV Limited


Sahel Capital


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted as Nigerian Counsel to Export Import Bank of India in relation to a $100m term loan facility granted to Africa Finance Corporation.
  • Advised Stanbic IBTC Trustees in relation to the amendment of a syndicated dollar and naira loan facility granted to GZ Industries Limited.
  • Advised FCMB Trustees Limited and ARM Trustees Limited in respect of the perpetual non-callable fixed rate, resettable additional tier 1 Series 2 Bonds in the value of ₦26bn under the ₦300m debt issuance programme by FCMB Group Plc.

Abdulai, Taiwo & Co

Abdulai, Taiwo & Co is well-positioned to assist Nigerian clients with a range of banking, finance and capital markets transactions. The firm, boasting a strong local presence, is experienced in handling financings relating to PPPs, as well as loan restructurings, project financings and bond issuances. Ladi Taiwo leads many infrastructure projects-related transactions. Alayo Ogunbiyi is well-versed in capital markets matters.

Praxisleiter:

Alayo Ogunbiyi; Ladi Taiwo


Kernmandanten

Debt Management Office


Federal Govt. of Nigeria


African Development Bank


China Development Bank


Federal Mortgage Bank


Stanbic IBTC Bank


Shelter Afrique


Presco Plc


Emzor Pharmaceuticals


Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l. Luxembourg


Cerba-Lancet Laboratories


UTL Trust & Security Services


Ibadan Inland Dry Port SPV


CRCC International Investments Group of Hong Kong


Olokun-Pisces Ltd.


Banarly Nigeria Ltd.


FGN Roads Sukuk Company 1 Plc


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Agence Francaise de Development on a €50m credit facility to the Development Bank of Nigeria.
  • Advised the Debt Management Office on the Federal Govt. of Nigeria’s ₦350bn sovereign Sukuk bond.
  • Advised Presco Plc on its ₦150bn corporate bond issue Series I.

ALP NG & Company

ALP NG & Company provides services in asset and project finance, securitisation, trade and commodities financing transactions, and regulatory compliance. The team is active across various sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, oil and gas and FinTech. Atinuke Odofin and Solagbade Sogbetun lead the team.

Praxisleiter:

Atinuke Odofin; Solagbade Sogbetun


Referenzen

‘ALP is a rather unique firm. They handle most of my organisation’s green housing projects.’

‘We work closely with Atinuke Odofin and her team. They are very responsive to our requests and their turnaround time is very impressive.’

‘Attention to detail and professionalism.’

Kernmandanten

Banctrust Securities (Africa) Limited


Still Earth Capital Finance Limited


Petro App Limited


Jilnas Nigeria Limited


Utica Capital Limited


SKLD Integrated Services Limited


Modern Shelter Systems & Services Limited


Mahfas Investent Limited


Parivest Technologies Limited


Raedial Farms Limited


Aella Financial Solutions Limited


Mutual Trust Microfinance Bank Limited


Eko Development Company Limited


Iron Capital Limited


Pirotti Projects and Properties Limited


OKB Holdings


Accugas Limited


Transcontinental Nigeria Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a guarantee company that has provided local currency guarantees to enhance the credit quality of debt instruments issued to finance creditworthy infrastructure assets in Nigeria up to ₦218bn.
  • Advised a development company on the capital raise of $129m for the acquisition of land and development in Eko Atlantic City through equity investments
  • Advised a state government in respect of commercial term loans in the sum of ₦250bn provided by a consortium of commercial banks for economic infrastructure and social projects.

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe advises borrowers and lenders on all aspects of banking and finance, including lending, structured and acquisition finance, syndicated debt, and project financing for infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. Adeleke Alex-Adedipe heads the team alongside Adeniyi Duale and Seye Ayinla.

Praxisleiter:

Adeleke Alex-Adedipe; Adeniyi Duale; Seye Ayinla


Kernmandanten

InstaDeep Limited


Access Bank Nigeria Plc


Dorman Long Engineering Limited


Trexm Chemicals Nigeria Limited


Nithio


Parthian Partners Limited


Fewchore Finance Company Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised InstaDeep UK Limited in connection with the £362m acquisition by BioNtech and an earnout of up to £200m.
  • Advised Dorman Long Engineering Limited on the purchase of 100% shares in Yulong Steel Pipe, Lekki Investment FZE for the value of $45m.
  • Advised Metrowaves Sports and Infrastructure Limited in connection with a $20m investment by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

Odujinrin & Adefulu

Odujinrin & Adefulu advises both local and international clients across various finance transactions, including bilateral and syndicated loans. The team is a trusted partner for leading global lenders, providing comprehensive support, such as structuring and documentation, in a wide range of banking and finance matters. Damilola Adetunji acts as Nigerian counsel to the Africa Export-Import Bank and has vast experience advising a spectrum of local and international clients.

Praxisleiter:

Damilola Adetunji


Kernmandanten

African Export-Import Bank


Africa Finance Corporation


International Finance Corporation


ALCB Fund


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited


Lafarge Africa Plc


Morgan Stanley & Co International Plc


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


Chapel Hill Denham Advisory


Keystone Bank Limited


First City Monument Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised African Export-Import Bank in its capacity as lender, agent, and security agent in a $675m term loan facility advanced to Dangote Cement Plc.
  • Advised African Export-Import Bank in its capacity as a lender in a $150m trade finance term loan facility to United Bank for Africa Plc.
  • Advised African Export-Import Bank in its capacity as the lender in a $2.2m project preparation facility advanced to Innovative Biotech Limited to finance the establishment of an integrated drug substance manufacturing and fill-and-finish plant capable of producing up to 225m doses of vaccines per year in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.