Hall Of Fame

Banking, finance and capital markets in Nigeria

Aluko & Oyebode

One of the preeminent law firms in Nigeria for banking and finance, Aluko & Oyebode is regularly turned to by domestic and international clients including banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and private equity firms on a wide range of matters. The group is under the leadership of a seasoned trio, Olubunmi FayokunReginald Udom, and Oludare Senbore, and Fayokun has experience in capital markets and project finance, Udom advises on international financing transactions, and Senbore handles structured trade finance and foreign investment. Other key members of the team include Kofo Dosekun and Zacheaus Akanni.

Praxisleiter:

Olubunmi Fayokun; Reginald Udom; Oludare Senbore


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Zacheaus Akanni; Kofo Dosekun


Referenzen

‘Large integrated practice with extensive experience in international financing structures and tax.‘

‘Funmilayo Otsemobor and Zacheaus Akanni showed responsiveness and agility, especially in high-stakes or time-sensitive matters, and delivered good quality services within the agreed financial framework.’

‘The practice is well-experienced, supportive, and tries its best to meet deadlines. ’

Highlight-Mandate


Banwo & Ighodalo

Praised by clients for its ‘high level of professionalism, deep expertise, and client-centric service’, the banking and finance team at Banwo & Ighodalo advises local and international clients on a wide range of transactions. Asue Ighodalo focuses his practice on capital markets, while Ayotunde Owoigbe has experience in advising on private equity and financing transactions. Azeezah Muse-Sidiq is a key port of call for Islamic finance, and corporate restructuring, and Seyi Bella specialises in secured lending and asset finance.

 

Praxisleiter:

Asue Ighodalo; Ayotunde Owoigbe; Azeezah Muse-Sadiq; Seyi Bella


Referenzen

‘Banwo & Ighodalo, popularly known as B&I, brings a personalised and unique touch to each client on various matters.‘

‘Putting the client first and helping to address all aspects of any issue or matter, from contracts to international finance arrangements and documentation, cross-border transactions, tax, litigation/arbitration, compliance, and corporate practice/governance, among others.‘

‘Banwo and Ighodalo’s drafting expertise is unrivalled. Their documents are clearly, broadly, and painstakingly put together. I have less review to do when Banwo and Ighodalo is representing my organisation.‘

Kernmandanten

Renaissance Africa Energy Holding Limited


Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority


Tether Investments Limited


EAN Aviation Development Company Limited


Africa Finance Corporation


International Finance Corporation


Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited


The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited


Dangote Group


Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited


Mauritius Commercial Bank


African Export-Import Bank


Rand Merchant Bank


Fidelity Bank Plc


Moove Nigeria BV


Actis Capital


Africa Finance Corporation


Ecobank Nigeria Limited


United States International Development Finance Corporation


FTN Cocoa Processors Plc


FirstRand Bank Limited (acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division)


Sterling Bank Plc


Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC


First Hold Co Plc (Formerly FBN Holdings Plc)


Federal Government of Nigeria


Nigerian Breweries PLC


Zenith Bank PLC


Access Holdings PLC


FCMB Group PLC


Dangote Cement Plc


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Renaissance Africa Energy Holding Limited in connection with the debt financing workstream of the landmark acquisition of the entire shareholding in Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited by Renaissance Africa Energy Holding Limited.
  • Acted as Nigerian counsel to a syndicate of lenders (through their Agent, African Export-Import Bank) in connection with a €1,000,000,000 syndicated loan facility, with an accordion feature of an additional €1,000,000,000, advanced to Bank of Industry Limited.
  • Advised as Nigerian Issuer’s Counsel in connection with the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s issuance of US$2.2 billion Eurobonds in two tranches; US$700m maturing in 2031 and US$1.5bn maturing in 2034.

G. Elias & Co

G. Elias & Co is praised as 'responsive, diligent, and dedicated to resolving client issues with a brilliant understanding of commercial considerations.' A trio of professionals leads the department: Fred Onuobia, SAN, who has experience advising on financing transactions and restructuring; Segun Omoregie, who focuses on a wide range of capital markets transactions; and Michelle Chikezie, who is knowledgeable in bond issuances and debt restructuring. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, and Amarachi Ikevude are also key contacts within the team.

Praxisleiter:

Fred Onuobia, SAN; Segun Omoregie; Michelle Chikezie


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gbolahan Elias; Amarachi Ikevude


Referenzen

‘The team has incredible commercial experience across the board. Thy are always responsive, diligent, and dedicated to resolving client issues with a brilliant understanding of commercial considerations.’

‘We engaged G Elias as legal advisors for our public bonds. Their team is proficient in their work and completed the work in a timely and meticulous manner.‘

‘I find the firm very professional and knowledgeable, particularly in company laws/practice and the Nigerian capital market where my engagement with the firm centres around mostly.’

Kernmandanten

Standard Chartered Bank


African Export-Import Bank


BUA Industries Limited


Federal Government of Nigeria


Citibank Nigeria Limited


Transcorp Power Plc


HH Capital


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Standard Chartered Bank on its US$2 billion pre-export financing facility to a Bahamian-incorporated Special Purpose Vehicle sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
  • Advised African Export Import Bank on US$200 million financing to BUA Industries Limited.
  • Advised as solicitors to the Federal Government of Nigeria on a US$2 billion bond programme, the first-of-its-kind USD-denominated bond issuance by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Debt Management Office.

Olaniwun Ajayi LP

The finance and capital markets practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is ‘defined by deep expertise, innovation, and client-focused collaboration’. The team is led by a quartet of partners Tominiyi Owolabi, Wolemi Esan, Yewande Senbore, and Ibi Ogunbiyi , and Owolabi has experience advising oil companies and foreign and local financers on syndicated loans, while Esan focuses her practice on infrastructure assets, mergers and acquisitions, and structured finance. Senbore is skilled at advising leading banks, financial institutions, and corporate clients on a variety of transactions, and Ogunbiyi assists clients in project finance.

Praxisleiter:

Tominiyi Owolabi; Wolemi Esan; Yewande Senbore; Ibi Ogunbiyi


Referenzen

‘They’re very smart people. You go into a meeting with their team on your side, and you can be sure they’ll give you the best advice, they don’t miss any points, they keep to time, they’re innovative in their thinking, they’re polite and bold, and they’re top professionals. I use their staff as examples for my team to emulate their expertise.’

‘The team has rich experience in various aspects of the law and have consistently brought innovative solutions to the table.’

‘The firm stands out for its deep legal expertise and commercial awareness. The team is also technically excellent and is able to provide clear and actionable advice despite tight deadlines.’

Highlight-Mandate


Templars

Templars maintains a strong position in the banking and finance market, assisting various clients, including corporate and sovereign borrowers, project sponsors, and investment banks on the gamut of matters. The practice group is co-led by experienced professionals Chike Obianwu, who specialises in equity and debt capital raising, fund formation, and project finance; and Zelda Akindele, who focuses on syndicated lending, securitisation, and capital markets. Desmond Ogba is another key member of the team who advises clients on strategic investments and international capital markets issuances.

Praxisleiter:

Chike Obianwu; Zelda Akindele


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Desmond Ogba


Referenzen

‘The Team at Templars are dependable, knowledgeable, and happy to hand hold clients to achieve business efficiency with their effective legal advisory services.’

 

Kernmandanten

African Development Bank


Actis West Africa Incom Managers


Chapel Hill Denham Management


International Finance Corporation


Standard Bank of South Africa


Deutsche Bank


Stanbic IBTC Bank


IHS Holdings Limited


IHS Nertherlands Holdings BV


Aradel Holdings Plc


BNP Paribas


Unicredit Bank GMBH


Access Holdings Plc


Elektron Petroleum and Engineering Limited


Lagos Free Zone Company


UAC of Nigeria Plc


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted as solicitors to Aradel Holdings plc in connection with the listing by introduction of its 4,344,844,360 issued and paid-up Ordinary Shares of 50 kobo each at ₦702.69 per share on the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
  • Advised UBA Group on its Rights Offering of circa 6.8 billion ordinary shares of the bank to existing shareholders at N35.

Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie

Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie is home to an experienced banking, finance, and capital markets team, representing numerous clients on a wide scope of issues, including acquisition finance, regulatory, and derivatives. The department is jointly steered by head project finance expert Aniekan Ukpanah and Islamic finance specialist Yinka Edu. Onyinye Okafor has expertise in corporate, structured finance, and derivatives transactions, while Adeola Sunmola focuses on syndicated lending. Joseph Eimunjeze is a key port of call for capital markets transactions.

Praxisleiter:

Aniekan Ukpanah; Yinka Edu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Onyinye Okafor; Adeola Sunmola; Joseph Eimunjeze


 


Referenzen

‘The efficiency and expert advice from UUBO is world-class, clearly demonstrating their appreciation of business urgency. The whole engagement was smooth and delightful.‘

‘Professionalism, attention to detail, simplicity, patience, commitment to timelines, and continuous update where necessary.‘

‘Yinka Edu is very competent, consistent, and brings calmness to issues brought before her. ’

Kernmandanten

British International Investment plc (formerly CDC Group plc)


Africa Finance Corporation


Standard Chartered Bank


Citigroup Global Markets Limited


J.P Morgan Securities PLC


JP Morgan Chase Bank NA


Deutsche Investitions – Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh, (DEG)


Fidelity Bank


FCC Securities BV


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


Johnvents Industries Limited


Chapel Hill Denham


Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC


United Capital Trustees Limited


Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited


United Capital Asset Management Limited


Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted as Nigerian counsel to Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Goldman Sachs International, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, and Standard Chartered Bank (the “Joint Bookrunners”) in connection with the US$700,000,000.00 and the US$1,500,000,000.00 Notes Issuance by the Federal Republic of Nigeria under its Global Medium Term Note Programme.
  • Acted as Nigerian Counsel to Seplat Energy PLC on the issuance of its US$650 million 9.125% Senior Notes due 2030 under Rule 144A/Reg S of the United States Securities Act, guaranteed by Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Seplat East Onshore Limited, and Seplat Midstream Company Limited.
  • Advised United Capital Asset Management Limited on the establishment of its NGN 1 billion Children Investment Fund, a specialised investment vehicle aimed at enabling long-term wealth accumulation for the purpose of financing children education.

AELEX

AELEX is home to an experienced banking, finance, and capital markets team, who acts for various clients, including European banks and international development financial institutions on a wide array of matters. A duo of experienced professionals steer the practice, Lawrence Fubara Anga SAN, who has experience advising infrastructure, aviation, and maritime clients on a range of corporate and commercial issues, and Olusina Sipasi, who is skilled at acquisition finance and restructuring. Other key team members include Chinyerugo Ugoji and Onyinyechi Chima.

Praxisleiter:

Lawrence Fubara Anga; Olusina Sipasi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Onyinyechi Chima; Chinyerugo Ugoji


Referenzen

‘I had a very great experience working with Onyinyechi Chima and Chinyerugo Ugoji. The thorough and detailed manner in which the firm drafted the deeds for the transaction ensured minimal deficiencies from the SEC.’

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


Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC


VODA Infrastructure Management Limited


AFEX Fair Trade Limited


Golden Oil Industries Limited


Dangote Rice Limited


FBNQuest Funds Limited


Highlight-Mandate


Bloomfield LP

Highly regarded by clients as being ‘knowledgeable in all aspects of banking, finance, and capital markets related matters’, the corporate finance and securities team at Bloomfield LP, is co-led by experienced individuals Adedoyin Afun and Ayodele Oni. Afun is experienced in syndicated and non-syndicated financings, capital markets, and private equity and asset management, while Oni handles regulatory compliance issues and divestments. Esther Ajekiigbe and Amanda Umobi are core associates within the team.

Praxisleiter:

Adedoyin Afun; Ayodele Oni


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Esther Ajekiigbe; Amanda Umobi


Referenzen

‘The team is made up of professionals who have various strengths across the industry. They are very responsive and display a deep knowledge of banking, finance, and capital markets.‘

‘The Bloomfield banking, finance, and capital markets team is a well-rounded team with over 20 years in advising and negotiating equity and debt financing transactions on behalf of clients. The team is knowledgeable in all aspects of banking, finance, and capital markets-related matters. They provide end-to-end support to clients and are very prompt in responding to clients‘ requests. ’

‘Mr. Adedoyin Afun is one of the stand-out partners in the banking, finance, and capital markets practice. He has in-depth knowledge of the practice area and has a 100% delivery rate in securing favourable terms for clients.’

Kernmandanten

Conoil Producing Limited


Continental Oil & Gas Limited


Purple Real Estate Income Plc


Capital Trust Investments & Asset Management Limited


DLM Trust Company Limited


Optimera Energy LFZ Enterprise


Beta Glass Plc


Frigoglass Nigeria Industries Limited


Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited


Zenith Bank Plc


STAC Marine Offshore Limited


Intercontinental Capital for Africa Limited


Stratos Trading Limited


Capital Trust Investments & Asset Management Limited


Fundvine Berkshire Asset Management Limited


Cedrus Group Africa


SIMA Commercial and Industrial Solar Green Bond BV


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Conoil Producing Limited and Continental Oil and Gas Limited, on a two hundred and fifty million United States Dollars (US$250,000,000) crude prepayment facility from Trafigura Pte Ltd.
  • Advising Nesgas Producing Limited (the “Borrower”) on obtaining a standby letter of credit and term facility of one hundred and forty million, five hundred and sixty United States dollars (US$140,560,000.00) (the “Facility”) from the African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank”).

Dentons ACAS-Law

Lenders and borrowers regularly turn to the financial service practice group at Dentons ACAS-Law for assistance with a wide range of banking, finance, and capital markets transactions. The practice is under the leadership of a quarter of knowledgeable professionals Ben Unaegbunam, Omolola Coker, Olujimi Bucknor, and Sanford Mba, and Unaegbunam focuses his practice on refinancing structures and divestments, and Coker handles asset acquisitions. Bucknor is versed in capital markets compliance and Mba has experience in syndicated financing.

Praxisleiter:

Ben Unaegbunam; Omolola Coker; Olujimi Bucknor; Sanford Mba


Kernmandanten

Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited


Sterling Bank Limited


Highlight-Mandate


Jackson, Etti & Edu

The banking, finance, and capital markets practice at Jackson, Etti & Edu is retained by domestic and international financial institutions for a wide array of transactions and is led by a trio of professionals Taiwo Adeshina, Adekunle Soyibo, and Folasade Olusanya ,and Adeshina has experience in advising on complex transactions in the infrastructure and energy space, Soyibo is knowledgeable in trade finance investments, and Olusanya specialises in venture capital and financial regulatory compliance. Another notable member of the team is Okey Nnebedum.

Praxisleiter:

Taiwo Adeshina; Adekunle Soyibo; Folasade Olusanya


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Okey Nnebedum


Referenzen

‘What makes the JEE team unique is how practical and approachable they are. They don’t just give us the legal answer — they take the time to understand the commercial realities behind it, which makes their advice much easier to apply. I’ve found them to be very responsive, collaborative, and willing to adapt to how we work, rather than forcing us into a rigid structure.‘

‘The individuals I’ve worked with really stand out for their availability. They are clear communicators, always prepared, and not afraid to give a straight answer when it’s needed. I value the way they stay calm under pressure and still manage to keep things moving forward.‘

‘Okey Nnebedum has displayed a consistent approach to resolving issues over the years. He demonstrates problem-solving skills which ensures that all parties to a financing transaction are in a win-win position. Okey is detailed and has vast experience in the Nigerian secured financing space. ’

Kernmandanten

FBN Quest Trustees Limited


Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited


Bank of Africa


Sahel Capital


Credit Immobilier et Hotelier


African Global Trade Finance


Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund


African Development Bank


Stanbic IBTC Capital


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund on the senior debt N20b term loan facility to SIFAX Shipping ICT Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Sifax Group of Companies Limited.
  • Advised Africa Global Trade Finance, a non-bank financial institution in connection with a USD 5 million uncommitted revolving trade facility to a Nigerian company to finance pre-shipment and post-shipment export of agricultural products.
  • Acting as solicitors to FBN Quest Trustees as security trustee regarding the facility of NGN5 billion advanced by Union Bank to a Borrower in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector.

Abdulai, Taiwo & Co

With a particularly active banking, finance, and capital markets practice, Abdulai, Taiwo & Co is capable of advising operators, sponsors, and financiers on all aspects of banking and finance transactions. The practice group is co-led by experienced individuals Alayo Ogunbiyi, who specialises in capital markets and structured financing; and Ladi Taiwo, who focuses on PPP/PFI project development finance.

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 SARL of Luxembourg


Cerba-Lancet Laboratories


UTL Trust & Security Services


Ibadan Inland Dry Port SPV


Agence Francaise de Developpment


Olokun-Pisces Ltd.


Banarly Nigeria Ltd.


FGN Roads Sukuk Company 1 Plc


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Agence Francaise de Developpment on a fifty million euro credit facility to the Development Bank of Nigeria.
  • Advised the Debt Management Office on a N350 Billion Sovereign Sukuk.
  • Advised the Debt Management Office (DMO) on a Series VII N300 Billion Sovereign Sukuk.

Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe

Commended by clients for ‘its distinctive blend of expertise, innovation, and client centric approach’, the banking, finance, and capital markets practice at Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe is led by an experienced duo Adeleke Alex-Adedipe and Adeniyi Duale, and Adedipe advises corporates, regulators, and investors on a range of financing and capital raising transactions, while Duale handles private equity investments and venture capital deals. Simisola Eyisanmi and Seye Ayinla are also notable members within the team.

Praxisleiter:

Adeleke Alex-Adedipe; Adeniyi Duale


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Simisola Eyisanmi; Seye Ayinla


Referenzen

‘The team is highly collaborative, responsive, and efficient in handling complex matters. They stand out for their ability to deliver practical solutions and consistent results, supported by strong industry knowledge. Their innovative use of technology, flexible billing, and inclusive culture make the client experience seamless and distinct from other firms.’

‘Duane, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe stands out in the legal landscape due to its distinctive blend of expertise, innovation, and client centric approach. A potential client will likely appreciate the firm’s proactive and solution-driven approach, expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments, ability to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions, and strong track record of delivering high-quality results. ’

‘I had a very excellent experience working with the team.  Adeniyi Duale and Seye Ayinla displayed a high level of professionalism in discharging their roles as legal counsel to the transaction. The key strength of the team includes seasoned and deep knowledge in various practice areas, understanding of Nigeria’s business environment and regulatory framework, and leveraging on technology and creative problem-solving to deliver efficient services. ’

Kernmandanten

Polaris Bank Limited


Halkin Investment (BVI) Limited


Ojaja Pan African Limited


Fayus Limited


5554 Technologies Limited


Parthian Partners Limited and Parthian Partners Funding SPV Plc


Voda Infrastructure Refi Company SPV Plc


Aruwa Capital Management


Octerra Capital Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Polaris Bank Limited on the restructuring of a significant $107,500,000.00 loan facility granted to Marine Platforms Limited.

Odujinrin & Adefulu

At Odujinrin & Adefulu, the banking and finance practice is experienced in advising a range of clients on project finance, acquisition finance, loan refinancing, and restructuring. At the helm of the practice, Damilola Adetunji has expertise in capital markets transactions and is praised by clients for being ‘knowledgeable in cross-border banking and finance matters.’ Olubukola Olabiyi is a key associate in the team with experience in corporate finance and acquisitions.

Praxisleiter:

Damilola Adetunji


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Olubukola Opebiyi


Referenzen

‘The firm is widely acknowledged for its leadership and distinguished by its delivery of commercially astute legal services and forward-thinking solutions. The team consistently demonstrates a deep responsiveness to the specific needs of its clients. They offer clear and precise advice on legal queries, indicating a sound understanding of the subject and context.‘

‘Damilola Adetunji is knowledgeable in cross-border banking and finance matters. She advises on major acquisition finance and project finance. She demonstrates commendable responsiveness to client’s requirements.’

‘The team has been exceptional in mergers and acquisitions. They are very thorough, responsive, and innovative. They have provided us with invaluable support at every step of the way in our transactions.’

Kernmandanten

African Export-Import Bank


Africa Finance Corporation


Bank of Industry, Nigeria


African Local Currency Bond Fund


FBN Trustees Limited


FIRST Exploration and Production Company Limited


Baobab Microfinance Bank


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised African Export-Import Bank in its capacity as a lender and mandated lead arranger on a US$650,000,000 syndicated facility granted to Oando Petroleum and Natural Gas Limited for the acquisition of the entire shares in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited.
  • Acted for International Breweries Plc on its ₦587.6 billion rights Issue, which stands as Nigeria’s largest-ever equity capital raise.
  • Advised African Export-Import Bank on its capacity as lender and facility agent in an up to US$550,000,000 corporate finance term loan facility advanced to Dangote Industries Limited.