TEMPLARS - Key Persons
Aasiya is a Senior Associate in the Firm's Corporate and Energy & Natural Resources practice groups.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) degree both from the University of Ghana. She is also admitted to practice as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Aasiya has significant experience in corporate and commercial law practice where she focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, banking and finance, telecommunications, healthcare, energy investments and general corporate. She also has a great working knowledge and understanding of the Ghanaian legal and regulatory environment and is intentional about delivering pragmatic commercial solutions to clients on complex transactions.
Prior to joining TEMPLARS, Aasiya was the Head of Legal at Nyaho Healthcare Limited, Ghana's leading private group medical practice, and a key associate in the Corporate and Commercial Group of ENSafrica. She was also a visiting associate at the London offices of Trinity International LLP under the International Lawyers for Africa secondment programme.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
Advising Nyaho Healthcare Limited on restructuring the company into a group company and on corporate finance options in both debt and equity with development finance institutions.
Transaction manager on an equity investment by Verod Capital Management Limited, a private equity firm in Nigeria, along with Red Bull GmBH, into DTRT Apparel Limited, a registered free zones enterprise in Ghana.
Advised Channel VAS in the acquisition of a micro-credit company licensed by the Bank of Ghana, to operate a mobile app for financial institutions. The resulting app will use data and analytics algorithm to score the credit profile of users and offer loan products accordingly.
Advised Bharti Airtel in respect of the amalgamation of its Ghana business with the Ghanaian business of Millicom International Cellular SA to create an equally owned entity.
Advised on the setting up of Odfjell Well Services on a joint venture with Rigworld to provide services to the upstream oil and sector.
Advised Bank of America Merrill Lynch in relation to the financing of the construction of a powership, mobilisation and connection to the national grid in Ghana by Karadeniz Powership Ayşegül Sultan Company Limited.
Expertise
Corporate & Commercial, Energy & Natural Resources
Job Titles:
- Managing Counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group
Abimbola Atitebi is a Managing Counsel in the Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group at Templars.
He holds a Master of Laws Degree with a certificate of specialization in Business Law from the University of California Berkeley, School of Law and is licensed to practice in Nigeria and the State of California, USA.
He possesses significant experience in the Petroleum sector and advises clients involved in various streams of operations within the sector and routinely advises on some of the major transactions in the Nigerian petroleum sector. His experience encompasses regulatory compliance, corporate structures, white collar (financial crime and anti-bribery) advisory and defence, antitrust and government relations.
Abimbola also possesses significant energy dispute experience advising and representing clients in bet-the-company disputes. He possesses substantial experience having played an active role on some of the largest and most significant energy arbitrations in Nigeria as well as advising clients on potential disputes in corporate restructuring and transfer of assets, as well as government investigations.
A Selection Of Relevant Experiences
Advised ExxonMobil in respect of a proposed divestment of its onshore and shallow offshore businesses in Nigeria.
Advising the major International Oil Companies in respect of the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act on their businesses in Nigeria.
Advising the major International Oil Companies in respect of the renegotiation of their Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in respect of their deep-offshore operations in Nigeria.
Advised Sojitz Corporation in connection with its acquisition of a 25% interest in the holding company of Axxela.
Advised and represented ExxonMobil and Shell against the NNPC in a US$2.042 billion crude entitlement and stabilisation claim.
Advised and represented ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total and Nexen in a first of its kind cost-recovery arbitration in Nigeria, resulting in recovery of over US$1billion in contested costs.
Advised Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Japan Gas Corporation (JGC) and other Halliburton Executives and in the negotiation of a non-prosecutorial agreement with the FGN over bribery charges in respect of a US$6 billion LNG train construction contract.
An International Oil Company (IOC) in respect of Nigerian law issues relating to criminal charges of bribery and corruption preferred against it in Europe.
Various multinationals operating in Nigeria on compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) directive of the FGN as well as possible anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) impact of any payments made outside the TSA structure.
Expertise
Energy & Natural Resources, Dispute Resolution.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in the Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group of the Firm
Adebimpe is an Associate in the Energy and Natural Resources practice group of the Firm.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from the Lagos State University and graduated from the Nigerian Law School (B.L) with a Second Class (Upper Division) and has been admitted to the Nigerian Bar.
Adebimpe's focus is on transactions in the oil and gas sector, regulatory compliance, international and local acquisitions, general legal and business advisory, amongst others. She has worked on major corporate commercial transactions and has acquired skills in legal due diligence and general corporate compliance.
She provides general legal advisory services and assistance to upstream, midstream, and downstream entities, as well as financial institutions. She also provides solution-based legal opinions for indigenous and international businesses on their participation in the Nigeria's oil and gas sector. She has gained considerable experience providing legal and business advisory, regulatory compliance services, to a wide range of clients in diverse and sector specific areas in local and international jurisdictions such as the Oil and Gas, mergers and acquisitions, and other commercial arrangements.
Prior to joining Templars, she was a key associate in the Energy and Project Finance practice group of a Lagos based Law Firm.
Expertise
Energy & Natural Resources.
Adenike is a Managing Counsel in the firm's Corporate and Commercial Law Practice Group. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Commercial Law (with Distinction) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland United Kingdom.
Adenike has advised clients for almost a decade on various areas of law, including, establishment of businesses, mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, general corporate advisory, financial technology, and foreign direct and foreign portfolio investment in Nigeria. She also manages the company secretarial portfolio of over 50 international and domestic companies. Her experience spans across various sectors of the Nigerian economy (including Financial Services, Information and Communications Technology, Hospitality, Oil and Gas, Power, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) and cuts across start ups, and small and medium sized enterprises, and blue-chip companies.
She routinely negotiates, drafts and reviews various corporate agreements for Nigerian subsidiaries of multi-national companies and advises on attendant transactional issues.
Adenike has a sterling reputation as a pragmatic commercial minded lawyer, who is sensitive to the commercial realities of clients and offers business friendly solutions/advice to help clients achieve their objectives within the ambit of the law.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
General Electric in connection with the Nigerian aspect of its global spin-off into three publicly traded companies focused on aviation, healthcare, and energy, as well as on its acquisition of the Nexus Controls business from Baker Hughes.
Various Big-Tech companies including Apple, on different components of financial technology, including the regulatory framework for use of credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, mobile payments, carrier billing, payment service providers, payment initiators, international money transfer involving cryptocurrency and fiat money etc, as well as the applicable consumer rights laws and privacy laws.
Various International Oil Companies (IOCs) on compliance with the Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") requirements in the Petroleum Industry Act. This includes; a) advising on the structuring and implementation of the ESG framework for the various Host Communities within the IOCs area of operations in the Niger Delta Region ("NDR") and establishment of incorporated trusts for the different host communities, b) developing various policies for the trusts, as well as for efficient implementation of the ESG framework, including for effective corporate governance, transparency, accountability, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering, and c) establishing structures and mechanisms for reporting, investigations, and disciplinary actions within the ambit of extant applicable laws.
Kantar Group, the leading data, insights, and consulting company on the Nigerian aspect of the reorganization of its entities across various jurisdictions. The role entailed advising on all legal issues relating to the transfer of shares and assets, employee transfers, as well as the establishment, capital funding and repatriation for a new subsidiary created as part of the reorganization.
One of the world's largest e-commerce companies on all legal issues relating to its market entry and day-to-day operations in Nigeria.
African Capital Alliance in connection with the legal, regulatory and competition matters arising from its investment in West Indian Ocean Cable Company.
Expertise
Corporate & Commercial.
Akorede is an Associate in the firm's Dispute Resolution, Labour & Employment practices.
He regularly advises and represents clients before superior courts of record on claims relating to real property, contracts, and employment. In addition, he advises clients on the deregistration, liquidation, business rescue and administration of companies and Free Zone Entities.
He graduated from the University of Lagos and has been called to the Nigerian Bar.
Prior to joining Templars, he had garnered considerable experience working with a notable firm with offices in Nigeria and Ghana.
Albright is an Associate in the Firm.
Albright is a distinguished legal professional with a comprehensive educational background, she holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from Rivers State University and a Barrister-at-Law (BL) degree from the Nigerian Law School, where she graduated with a Second Upper Division.
Her commitment to the field of conflict resolution is evident through her association with the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators of Nigeria (ICMC) and her certification in International Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB) in the UK.
Her passion for leadership and advocacy is demonstrated by her active participation in university debate clubs and law chamber activities, which has earned her numerous accolades at both national and state levels. Albright's dedication to community service is reflected in her enthusiasm for volunteering.
Prior to her current position at Templars, Albright's practical experience was enriched by internships at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice and several esteemed law firms in Lagos and Port Harcourt. Her proficiency as a public speaker and her role as a master of ceremonies at corporate events highlight her versatile communication skills.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate With the Dispute Resolution Practice Group
Amanda is an Associate with the Dispute Resolution Practice Group and a key member of the Fair Justice Initiative, the CSR arm of TEMPLARS Ghana.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Information Studies from the University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where she graduated top of her class with a First Class Honours. She is also admitted to practice as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Amanda has significant experience in dispute resolution with focus on Corporate & Commercial Litigation, Commercial Arbitration and White-Collar Crimes.
As a key member of the Fair Justice Initiative, she has successfully secured acquittals, bails and negotiated exceptional plea bargains for accused persons.
Prior to joining TEMPLARS, Amanda worked with the Office of the Attorney-General where she was involved in the prosecution of several high profile and sensitive matters before the Superior Courts.
A Selection of Relevant Experience
• Successfully negotiated an out of Court settlement of a claim brought against First Atlantic Bank Ltd. by former employees.
• Representing shareholders of Latex Foam Rubber Products Ltd. in a litigation over the management of the company.
• Team member of the International Practice Group that prosecuted the extradition of an FBI most wanted fugitive for business email compromise schemes.
• Representing a shareholder in the winding up proceedings of a prestigious Beach Club.
Expertise
Dispute Resolution.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner ( Ghana )
- Senior Associate, Paa Kwame Larbi Asare
Augustine is the Managing Partner (Ghana) and Head of the Dispute Resolution practice of TEMPLARS Ghana. His experience spans the disparate yet connected fields of transactional work and dispute resolution. He is highly regarded as a leader in commercial dispute resolution in Ghana. He has represented businesses at all levels of the Ghanaian court system, and he is currently leading some of the complex commercial and bet-the-company disputes in Ghana.
Before joining TEMPLARS, Augustine worked in a leading Accra-based law firm, where he co-headed the firm's Dispute Resolution practice and advised multinational corporations like Google Inc., Asanko Gold, Kinross/Chirano, Volvo (Trucks & Equipment), Liebherr, Atlas Copco, Tullow, Halliburton, Eni, NOV, and Glencore.
Augustine is also a Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, where he teaches various topics in International Trade and Investment Law, Intellectual Property Law, Conflict of Laws, and Public International Law.
Augustine holds postgraduate qualifications from Harvard Law School (LL.M), World Trade Institute (MILE 14), and the University of Southampton (LL.M Maritime Law).
A selection of Relevant Experience
Successfully represented an ECOWAS citizen and Algom Resources, a mining company, in a novel claim against the Republic of Sierra Leone before the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Successfully represented Halliburton in its defence against a USD2 million claim for breach of a NEC 3 Contract.
Representing an engineering and design firm in an EPC contract dispute involving a multi-national group of companies.
Representing Adamus Resources Limited and Nguvu Mining Limited in on-going shareholder and director litigation.
Representing the family of the 50% shareholder of Latex Foam Rubber Products Limited, a leading manufacturer of foam products, in shareholder and director disputes.
Leading the defence of First Atlantic Bank Limited against claims arising from the Government of Ghana's Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Advising the Ghana National Communications Authority on the setting up of the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC0 to resolve telecom disputes.
Advising a leading manufacturer of cosmetic and body care products in connection with the reorganisation of its business holding structures in Africa.
Advised the AfCFTA Secretariat on the operationalisation of the AfCFTA Protocols, and implementation of the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the AU.
Professional Membership
ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR
International Bar Association
Society of International Economic Law
Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors
Ghana Bar Association
Expertise
Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Shipping & Maritime Law.
Ayodele Ashiata Kadiri is a highly experienced Senior Associate within the firm's Finance Practice Group.
She is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Lagos, holding an LL.B, and a distinguished graduate of the Nigerian Law School, where she earned her B.L and was honored as the overall best graduating student. Her professional journey is marked by a profound expertise in providing counsel to a diverse clientele, including borrowers, banks, funds, multilateral finance institutions, export credit agencies, and other financial entities, as well as corporates, notably those within the Fortune 500 bracket.
Her advisory scope encompasses a wide array of financial transactions, such as corporate and alternative financings, structured finance, cross-currency swaps, and various derivative products/hedging arrangements. Additionally, her acumen extends to fund formation and investments, acquisitions, corporate restructurings and reorganizations, strategic investments, and the issuance of equity and debt.
Ayodele's legal practice is authorized in Nigeria, and her prowess has been consistently acknowledged by IFLR 1000, which has recognized her as a rising star in its M&A, Banking, and Capital Markets (Debts) directories since 2021.
Prior to her tenure at Templars, she enriched her experience as a Senior Associate at another law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Her areas of expertise are Banking & Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions, where she continues to make significant contributions to the field, making her an asset to the firm.
Expertise
Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions
Chiamaka is a dedicated and astute lawyer committed to delivering tailored solutions that addresses the unique needs of clients. With a particular focus on banking and finance, competition law, and mergers and acquisitions, she brings expertise and unwavering enthusiasm to every case. She is passionate about helping businesses navigate complex legal challenges and achieve their strategic objectives.
Chiamaka has honed her skills in handling various transactions, including cutting-edge mergers and acquisitions, corporate re-organizations and restructuring, project finance and Islamic finance. She understands the intricacies involved in these complex matters and is well-equipped to provide insightful counsel and guidance.
Chiamaka was selected as a 2018 Nigeria Higher Education Foundation Scholar. She holds a first-class degree in law from the prestigious University of Ibadan, as well as a second-class upper degree from the Nigerian law school.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
Provided legal counsel to Baker McKenzie and the Sika Group on the acquisition of MB Construction Chemicals Solutions Limited (MBCC), and the divestment of certain divisions of MBCC to Cineven.
Advised Pressure Controls Systems Nigeria Limited on the sale of assets to General Electric International Operations Nigeria Limited.
Advising a major indigenous pharmaceutical company, on securing a 13.85 million facility from an international bank for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Assisting a leading international Islamic corporation in extending million-dollar finance facilities to 3 Nigerian banks for on-lending to small and medium scale enterprises.
Providing legal guidance to a leading FMCG-focused company, in obtaining a NGN16.56 billion dual tranche export development facility for the establishment of a palm kernel expellers plant, soyabean extraction plant and vegetable oil refinery.
Advised Fiducia, a technology-based platform, in connection with the launch of a groundbreaking supply chain financing platform in Nigeria.
Offered legal support to a major American multinational conglomerate during its global restructuring and internal reorganization. Facilitated the transfer of assets, liabilities and employees from its major Nigerian subsidiary to its newly incorporated healthcare company.
Expertise
Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions.
He specializes in tax policy, planning, transactions and tax dispute resolution. Chibuike serves clients in various industries including FMCG, energy and infrastructure, fintech and telecoms and his experience ranges from corporate taxation, M&A tax, to stamp duties, customs and excise taxation and value added tax. His experience includes cross-border tax planning and treaty focused tax structuring.
Chibuike graduated with a second-class upper division from the University of Nigeria and the Nigerian Law School.
Chidiebere Ejiofor is a Managing Counsel in the Dispute Resolution Practice Group.
He graduated with a second class upper division from the Nigerian Law School and the University of Calabar.
Before joining Templars he was a key associate in the law firm of Babalakin & Co. in Lagos where he specialized in various aspects of commercial litigation.
He is a key member of the team that worked closely with counsel from some international law firms in successfully representing major IOCs in a production sharing contract-related cost-recovery arbitration and associated litigation against the Nigerian state-owned oil corporation (NNPC).
Also, a key member of the team representing a couple of leading international oil companies (IOCs) at the Supreme Court in an appeal which seeks to reverse a decision of the Court of Appeal that upheld the setting-aside of an arbitral award in the sum of $1.799 billion made in favour in the IOCs.
He is a key member of the team that successfully represented an IOC in a suit filed by its EPC Contractor for the Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) which sought to restrain the scheduled sail away of the completed FPSO to the Egina field pending arbitration.
A member of the team currently representing an indigenous oil company at the Court of Appeal in a dispute with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR) in which the central issue is whether, as asserted by the MPR, the residue of the client's OPL, upon conversion to an OML, was automatically relinquished by the client and whether same had thus reverted to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), notwithstanding that: (i) no statutory provision provides for such automatic relinquishment; and (ii) a term of 2 years remained on the OPL at the material time the automatic relinquishment was imposed by the MPR.
A key member of the team currently representing a leading gas company in Nigeria in a suit commenced against the client by some Gencos in which they seek to restrain the FGN, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) from paying the client's invoices in full with funds from a Payment Assurance Facility (PAF) granted to NBET by the CBN, which PAF the Gencos claim was granted for their sole benefit, to the exclusion of Gascos.
A key member of the team that successfully represented a leading IOC at the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) in a Petroleum Profits Tax dispute against the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) which centred on the applicable pricing of crude oil for purposes of calculating the Petroleum Profits Tax liability of exploration and production companies that are joint-venture partners of the NNPC.
A key member of the team that advised and represented an indigenous oil and gas company in a winding-up proceeding commenced against it by a creditor. The team subsequently represented the parent company and majority shareholder of the wound-up company in a post winding-up action and made a case for the appropriate voting threshold to be applied in the appointment of a Liquidator by the creditors at the first creditors' meeting.
A key member of the team that represented an indigenous infrastructure company in an arbitration involving an investment dispute with the FGN in which the central issue was the breach of the FGN's obligation (under a Development Lease Agreement between the FGN and the client) to indemnify the client against any defect in the FGN's title in the subject property howsoever arising.
A key member of the team that successfully represented one of the foremost indigenous airport services companies in Nigeria in a series of disputes with the FGN, arising from the Public Private Partnership (PPP)-driven Concession Agreement concluded between the client and the FGN in respect of the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.
A member of the team that represented a liquified natural gas company in Nigeria in a multi-million dollar dispute with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which, in the main, involved the determination of the issue as to whether NIMASA can impose certain levies or charges on the client under Section 15(a) of the NIMASA Act, 2007 having regard to the incentives afforded the company by the provisions of Section 6(8), (9), (10), Section 7(7) and Paragraph 3 of Schedule II of the Nigerian LNG (Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances) Act, Cap N87, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Recent publications / Presentations
"CROSS-BORDER JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER NIGERIAN LAW," a paper published online on Templars' website
"SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY AND ENFORCEMENT," a paper presented at a training session organised by Templars.
"EKO ATLANTIC CITY AND MARITIME DELIMITATION IN INTERNATIONAL LAW," a paper presented at the seminar session organised by the law firm Babalakin & Co.
Expertise
Energy & Natural Resources, Dispute Resolution, Tax.
He is an award-winning first-class graduate of Afe Babalola University, having graduated with the highest academic awards and in the top percentile of his class of over 200 students.
Chijioke has undertaken internships at several globally recognized law firms and organizations while participating in various local and international competitions. In the process, Chijioke has garnered over 20 leadership and academic recognitions.
Chijioke is also a two-time Rhodes scholarship finalist for West Africa and was admitted to practice law in Nigeria in 2022. Chijioke is building his expertise and capacity to become a leading dispute and finance lawyer in Nigeria.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Deputy Managing Partner
Chike Obianwu is a Partner in Finance and Corporate Law and the Head of the Finance Practice Group.
He holds a Master of Laws from the University College London and has extensive experience in corporate and project finance, mergers & acquisitions, capital markets & securities law as well as investment banking.
He is admitted to practise in Nigeria and in England & Wales, and recognised as a leading finance lawyer by both Chambers & Partners and IFLR 1000. He regularly advises corporates, project sponsors, fund managers, banks and other financiers on equity and debt capital raising, fund formation, and the structuring, financing and development of projects.
He was formerly joint deputy head of corporate finance & advisory and legal counsel at the leading Nigerian investment bank, Zenith Capital Limited.
His role in corporate finance & advisory involved leading transactions in the areas of loan syndications, infrastructure financing, mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring; and, as legal counsel, he was responsible for managing outside counsel and internally providing legal support and deal structuring services in the areas of corporate and project finance, fixed income sales and trading, asset management, private equity and bond offering.
Before Zenith Capital, he had worked in structured & project finance law at Templars and at another leading law firm.
He sits on the Legal & Regulatory Council of the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, and also serves regularly on various public interest panels and committees. In 2011, he was appointed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to a technical committee of experts to advise the SEC on the proposed demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He was also a member of the legal team retained to advise the International Finance Corporation in connection with its 2003 Technical Assistance study on the revival of Nigeria's then moribund corporate and public-sector bond market.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
The Lenders (comprising 31 commercial banks, ECAs and DFIs) on the precedent-setting US$3 billion multi-source corporate financing of Nigeria LNG Limited's LNG Train 7 project. This is widely acknowledged to be the first time that the development of an LNG project has been financed using a multi-sourced corporate loan structure.
China Harbour Engineering Company and Tolaram (as Sponsors) together with the Project Company on the US$1.34 billion financing and development of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.
Azura Power on the US$1 billion equity and debt financing of the development of the Azura-Edo independent power project (IPP), the first ever truly project financed IPP in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Total E & P Nigeria Limited (Total) as sponsors on a US$1 billion pre-export financing for field development works by the NNPC/SPDC/Total joint venture.
Sinopec and its Addax subsidiaries in relation to a Transfer, Settlement and Exit Agreement with the national oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), by which Sinopec and its subsidiaries would achieve clean and amicable exit from four oil mining leases (OMLs) which were operated by Addax Petroleum under production sharing contracts with NNPC.
Diamond Bank plc on its merger with Access Bank plc to form the largest retail bank in Africa.
American Tower Corporation on its US$1.05 billion acquisition of 4800 telecoms towers from Airtel.
Helios Investment Partners on the sale of Helios Towers Nigeria Limited (the pioneer of tower infrastructure sharing in Africa) to IHS Holding Limited, the largest mobile telecommunications infrastructure provider in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
The joint bookrunners on Access Bank plc's US$500 million perpetual fixed-rate resettable non-cumulative non-call 5.25 additional Tier 1 (AT1) subordinated notes. The notes were the first-ever additional Tier 1 Eurobond issuance by a Nigerian bank and the second out of Africa.
IHS Towers in connection with its US$800 million high-yield Eurobond issuance, the largest ever high-yield Eurobond offering by an African-based issuer.
Seplat Petroleum Development Company plc (now Seplat Energy plc) on its US$350 million debut Eurobond issuance.
Expertise
Banking & Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions.
Chinonso is a key Associate in the firm.
Chinonso's academic and professional journey is marked by a series of notable achievements. As an Associate at the firm, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence. His academic accolades include being a Double First-Class graduate from both Imo State University and the Nigerian Law School, where he was recognized as the Best Graduating Student. His leadership skills were honed through his roles as President of the Law Students' Association and as a Senator in the National Students' Association.
His tenure at the Nigerian Law School further solidified his leadership abilities, serving as the Secretary-General of the Students' Representative Council.
Chinonso's contributions extend beyond academia; he has practical experience from previous positions at law firms and has played a crucial role in the development of LAWPADDI, an innovative electronic search engine for Nigerian Law School students.
His interests include reading sports articles, delving into crime fiction, and crafting short stories, which not only reflect his diverse interests but also contribute to his well-rounded persona. His multifaceted background and dedication to law and literature make him an asset to the firm.
Christiana is a focused and goal-oriented lawyer with a penchant for excellence.
Christiana is a First-Class Graduate from both Abia State University, Uturu, and the Nigerian Law School.
She graduated top of her class as the best-graduating student at the University where she received Chief Ume Kalu (SAN) Prize for the Best Graduating Student in Law amongst others. At the Nigerian Law School, she received the Director General's Prize for First Class Students. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, having occupied the position of the Course Representative of her class and other notable positions within and beyond the university.
She is admitted to practice law in Nigeria and is also an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators.
Prior to joining the firm, she interned at a notable law firm in Lagos where she garnered corporate practice experience.
Christiana is keen on taking on as many complex assignments as her role within the legal profession will allow, as well as providing top-notch solutions to complex legal issues. She is enthusiastic about Corporate Finance and Commercial dispute resolution practice and has a growing interest in Fintech.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Trainee Associate
Christine Unuigboje is a Trainee Associate in the Firm. Her interests range from corporate and project financing, data protection and general corporate advisory. She is intentional and dedicated to solving client queries and providing commercial solutions.
She holds an LLB (Hons.) from the University of Kent and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2022
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Prior to joining TEMPLARS, she had interned in a number of organization in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution Practice Group
Collins is a key Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution practice group of the firm.
Cyriacus Orlu is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Practice Group of the Firm.
He has over 20 years of extensive experience in general commercial law issues (litigation and arbitration), technology and telecommunication, energy and natural resources, electoral matters (pre- and post-election issues), labour matters and criminal law.
Over the years, Cyriacus has advised and represented both domestic and multinational corporations in high-stake and complex litigation and arbitration.
Cyriacus obtained his first degree in Law from the University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State Nigeria. He also holds an LL.M in Antiquities Law from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Prior to working at Templars, he worked with a law firm in Lagos where he was actively involved in litigation (especially commercial litigation) and dispute resolution. He is also a certified cyber security expert.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
Representing a major upstream oil and gas company and a leading energy services company in a multi trillion-dollar oil spill and environmental pollution litigation suit.
Currently defending Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited in a multi-trillion-naira tortious claim at the High Court of Rivers State Nigeria.
Successfully defended a prominent oil servicing company in a muti million dollar claim for breach of contract.
Successfully represented a governorship candidate in several pre-election suits filed against his candidacy as governor.
Cyriacus has represented individuals in high-profile pre and post-election matters, obtaining judgement for same at the high court and court of appeal.
Part of the defence team to a leading upstream oil and gas company at the Federal High Court in a multi trillion-dollar fundamental rights enforcement suit.
Expertise
Dispute Resolution.
Damilola Oshodi is a Senior Associate in the Firm's Energy & Natural Resources practice group. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Lagos and is admitted to practise law in Nigeria.
She has extensive hands-on experience in advising a diverse range of clients, including project sponsors and developers, development finance institutions, oil and gas exploration and production companies and gas distribution companies, on energy infrastructure projects, project documentation, commissioning and decommissioning, and the acquisition and divestment of oil and gas assets.
A Selection of Relevant Experiences
Acted for Sojitz Construction on the acquisition of 25% interest in Glover Gas and Power B.V. The depth of engagement of that transaction involved conducting extensive risk identification and evaluation during the due diligence phase, assessing and opining on the impact of the Petroleum Industry Act on existing revenue generating agreements including the franchising and exclusivity philosophy, pricing methodology and price re-opener provisions.
Advising a French international oil company on the divestment of its onshore and shallow water assets in Nigeria.
Advised a Namibian upstream asset holder regarding its divestment of an interest in its upstream asset, offshore Namibia.
Advising a Nigerian indigenous midstream company on the acquisition of interests in a major gas distribution company in Nigeria.
Advised the shareholders of Eterna Oil Plc on the divestment of majority interests to Preline Limited, a special purpose vehicle of Rainoil Limited, a leading petroleum motor spirit distributor.
Advised Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited in connection with the proposed reverse takeover of majority shares in San Leon Energy Plc.
Advised the lenders and the project sponsors on both the US$320 million debt facility to ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited (AGPC) (a subsidiary of Seplat and NNPC); and the project development of the greenfield 300mmscfd Assa North/Ohaji South Gas (ANOH) Project
Advising UTM on the ongoing development and financing of a floating liquified natural gas facilit y in Nigeria. Advised on the most appropriate project structure, licensing requirements, applicable procedures and timelines, including the drafting and negotiation of Pre-Feed and FEED Contracts.
Advised the project sponsor on the development and financing of a modular steam granulated NPK fertiliser plant located within a free trade zone.
Advising the proposed concessionaire on the development, construction and / or rehabilitation of downstream petroleum infrastructure through a design, finance, build, operate, maintain and transfer model.
Advised a power generation and infrastructure development company on the offtake of gas for the operations of its power plant, and supply of power to identified users. The transaction is peculiar for being one involving a blend of elements typically found under a regulated pricing regime, as well as contracting philosophies applicable in commercially driven contracts.
Professional Memberships
Nigerian Bar Association
Expertise
Energy & Natural Resources.
Daniel is an Associate in the firm's Disputes Resolution and Corporate and Commercial Practice Groups.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a QCL from the Ghana School of Law. He is admitted to practice as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana. A self-taught software engineer, Daniel's passion lies at the intersection of law and technology. He regularly advises on fintech, data privacy and security, and the legal implications of AI for businesses.
David Edoziem is an Associate in the Firm's Corporate and Commercial practice group. David has a degree from the University of Benin, and his practice encompasses a broad range of legal areas, including general legal advisory, labour and employment law, corporate governance, real estate, regulatory compliance, shipping and maritime law, and civil and commercial litigation.
David's expertise in corporate and commercial law is particularly noteworthy, as he has a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern businesses and companies. He is skilled in drafting and negotiating contracts, conducting due diligence, and providing strategic advice on varied corporate transactions. In addition to his expertise in corporate and commercial law, David has also established a strong reputation in other areas of law, including labour and employment law, where he advise s clients on a wide range of employment-related issues, such as compliance with labour laws, employee benefits, and dispute resolution. He is also experience d in civil and commercial litigation, with particular expertise in employment and maritime dispute resolution, as well as white collar investigations.
Dayo is a Partner and Co-Head of the Energy and Natural Resources practice at TEMPLARS. He has garnered over 20 years' experience in the commercial legal space, while working with Templars - and taking up various in-house legal (and non-legal) roles.
Debisi Omole is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Templars, until recently she was the firm's Practice Administrator.
Deborah Ehanire is an associate in the Firm's corporate and commercial practice group. She is an alumnus of the University of Benin, Nigeria, providing excellent legal services to business entities and individuals relating to corporate restructuring, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, consumer protection, policy development, labour relations and general advisory.
Deborah is an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association and a thought and workplace leader. She extends her impact in the legal services community through active volunteering and public speaking across different professional platforms including carrying out pro bono services for the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), an organization established by the Lagos State Government to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Lagos State residents.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience
Advised General Electric in relation to its global spin-off into three companies focused on healthcare, energy, and aviation. Also advised General Electric on its global acquisition of a division of Baker Hughes, Nexus Controls, which deals in control systems for power generation turbines, amongst other things.
Advised Apple on the proposed expansion of its payment offering in Nigeria to include carrier billing.
Advised Abbott, an American multinational medical devices and healthcare company on the reorganization of its distribution network in Nigeria.
Advised a world leading e-commerce company in connection with its proposed launch of full consumer operations in Nigeria. Particularly, advised on environmental compliance, marketing, advertising, consumer protection and return rights and warranties, in relation to the requirements for the establishment of the company's operation in Nigeria.
Advising Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited ("Mobil") on compliance with the Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") requirements in the Petroleum Industry Act particularly the structuring and implementation of the ESG framework for the various Host Communities within Mobil's area of operations in the Niger Delta Region ("NDR") and establishment of incorporated trusts for the different host communities.
Advising Heirs Holding Oil and Gas Limited ("HHOG") on the structuring and incorporation of Host Communities in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act in Nigeria.
Advised Walmart Incorporated, an American multinational retail corporation operating a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores in various jurisdictions around the world, in connection with its multi-jurisdictional survey and review of statutory and compliance obligations applicable to its business in Nigeria.
Expertise
Corporate & Commercial.
Deborah Okpiaifo holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Benin and graduated with First Class Honors from the Nigerian Law School. She has garnered experience advising clients across various sectors including telecommunications, energy, technology and finance. Her areas of expertise include general corporate advisory, intellectual property, media and entertainment law, labour and employment law, company secretarial and regulatory compliance.
Deborah is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria and the International Trademark Association's Young Practitioners Committee and Outreach Subcommittee.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Senior Editor of the Harvard Business Law Review
Desmond is a Partner in our Finance & Projects practice Groups.
He holds a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University, graduated with First Class Honours from the Nigerian Law School, and has a Bachelor of Laws from Ebonyi State University.
Desmond has extensive experience advising project companies, sponsors, borrowers, banks, funds, multilateral finance institutions, export credit agencies, other financial institutions and corporates on diverse transactions including project finance, acquisitions and divestments, power projects and other infrastructure development, strategic investments, international capital markets issuances, corporate finance and alternative funding structures.
Before joining Templars, he was a finance & projects associate at the Lagos-based firm of G. Elias & Co and a visiting associate at the London offices of Latham & Watkins, LLP under the International Lawyers for Africa secondment programme.
He is ranked in a number of international legal directories including IFLR 1000 Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms and Chambers Global Guide to the Legal Profession with clients and other independent sources describing him as "…a good problem solver and very client oriented"; "very effective… strong and bright"; "one who delivers excellent work"; and "has a keen eye for the commercial objectives of a transaction".
Desmond has served as a Senior Editor of the Harvard Business Law Review; as Vice-Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law; and as a member of different technical committees of experts appointed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to advise its Banking, Finance, and Insurance Committee on much needed financial law reforms in Nigeria.
A Selection Of Relevant Expereience
Azura Power West Africa Limited on its circa U$1billion financing for the development of a pioneering greenfield 459MW power generation plant in Edo State, Nigeria.
Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (managers of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund) and Julius Berger International as project sponsors on the financing and development of the approximately US$1 billion Second Niger Toll Road and Bridge project in Southern Nigeria.
Seven Energy International on the negotiation of a World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee in support of a Gas Supply Agreement for the Calabar Power Plant developed under the National Integrated Power Project initiative.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and some of their joint venture partners on their US$1 billion alternative funding arrangements structured as a forward sale of dedicated number of barrels of crude oil to be produced from designated fields.
ExxonMobil on the acquisition by Black Rhino (a wholly owned subsidiary of Blackstone Group) of all the interests of ExxonMobil's in Qua Iboe 540 MW gas fired power station in Akwa Ibom State.
Engie Group (the world's largest independent power producer) on its investment in a number of on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria.
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank on the financing for the development of a 75MW on-grid solar power project in Northern Nigeria.
The lenders/arrangers on a US$325 million structured financing to the New Age Group for development of upstream assets in Nigeria including the Aje field located in OML 113 offshore Lagos.
Globeleq, an Africa-focused energy sector investor on its acquisition of a 74% equity stake in Cummins, a leading C&I focused power company that provides distributed energy solutions to some of Nigeria's largest companies.
A syndicate of international and Nigerian banks on the financing for the construction of an entirely new city (Eko Atlantic City) off the coast of Lagos Nigeria.
IHS Towers Nigeria and other members of the IHS Group on their US$950 million Eurobond offering including a separate US$150 million commercial bank tranche.
The Federal Government of Nigeria on the grant of a concession for four of Nigeria's busiest international airports.
Expertise
Banking & Finance, Energy & Natural Resources.
Dipo is a Partner at Templars and heads the Tax Advisory team.
He is a fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Dipo holds a B.Sc in Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and also a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Lagos.
He was also a two-time chairman of the Tax Committee of Oil Producers' Trade Sector (OPTS) of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
For over a thirty year career period with Mobil Producing Nigeria, an upstream affiliate of ExxonMobil Corporation, USA, he was charged with various portfolios in General Accounting, Joint Venture Accounting, Financial Reporting & Controls.
He later assumed the position of Manager Taxes and was responsible for all tax related functions including tax planning, advisories, reporting and personnel management of Mobil Producing Nigeria and 12 other subsidiaries of ExxonMobil Corporation in Nigeria.
Given his background, Dipo is familiar with the Nigerian fiscal environment and the related tax law & practice.
A Selection Of Relevant Experience.
Advised TNOG in the tax structuring of the ongoing US$2.4 billion acquisition of the 45% participating interest held by Shell, Total and Agip in two onshore Nigerian Oil Mining Leases. Played a key role in the fiscal planning and tax structuring of the acquisition of OMLs 11 and 17, and separation of the upstream business from the midstream business.
Advised Azacur Resources Limited on the tax and cash flow implications of its proposed risk service investments in certain upstream oil and gas assets in Nigeria.
Advised Energy Link Infrastructure Limited on Nigerian tax implications for its US$ 110M financing and re-financing, including tax advisory, transfer pricing, and associated issues for an alternative crude evacuation strategy.
Advised a PSC Consortium comprising Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited, Famfa Oil Company Limited and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited on their fiscal rights and obligations in respect of their Oil Mining Lease (OML), given FIRS' indicative views that their production sharing arrangements is not a PSC to entitle them to fiscal incentives pursuant to the Deep Offshore Act.
Represented Nigeria LNG in negotiations with the tax authority on a revised tax assessment of US$231,085,385 for Withholding Tax on interest on foreign loans and management fees.
Advised Total E&P on the administrative mechanics for Petroleum Profits Tax reporting obligations in connection with one of its upstream assets within the context of applicable contractual and statutory provisions.
Advised Mastercard on the implications of the Finance Acts and the digital service tax regime in Nigeria for its Nigerian operations. 8. Advised Lukoil International Upstream Holdings BV on the proposed acquisition of interest in OPL 245 which entailed a review of the proposed tax and fiscal framework vis-à-vis the existing fiscal regime in Nigeria.
Advised Al Miqrab on Nigerian pioneer status and other key Nigerian tax law considerations with respect to its US$1.6billion takeover of LSE listed Heritage Oil Plc.
Advised Merck Group on transfer pricing and structuring in connection with its group employment structuring and intra-group services, particularly in relation to Personal Income Tax in Nigeria.
Expertise
Tax.
Stanley is a Managing Counsel and is admitted to practise law in Nigeria, New York and England & Wales.
His practice primarily focuses on commercial and investment treaty arbitrations, complex and high-value commercial litigation, and public international law. He has experience with disputes across a broad range of industries, including construction, energy and natural resources, financial services, technology and telecommunications, professional services, and general commercial law issues. He is recognised as a Future Leader in Arbitration by Who's Who Legal Arbitration (2024) and as ‘one of Africa's 50 Most Promising Young Arbitration Practitioners' by the Association of Young Arbitrators.
Stanley is also experienced in Transaction Advisory, particularly drafting, negotiating and reviewing transaction documents relating to energy and natural resources, finance, technology and telecommunications, and projects and infrastructure development.
He holds a Master of Law degree in International Law from Harvard Law School and a second Master of Law degree in Commercial Law from the University of Cambridge. He also graduated with a first-class honours degree from Nnamdi Azikwe University, Nigeria and won several top academic prizes including for brief-writing and advocacy.
Stanley is currently a Young ICCA regional representative for Africa, and a member of the Africa Users Council of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. He has also served as a co-chair of the Lagos Court of Arbitration - Young Arbitrators Network, and as an editor of several journals, including the Cambridge International Law Journal, Harvard International Law Journal, and Hong Kong Journal of Legal Studies.
A Selection of Relevant Expertise
Dispute Resolution
Advised an international oil company and its Nigerian subsidiaries in relation to a potential US$1 billion investment treaty arbitration claim.
Represented an International Oil Company (IOC) consortium in a first-of-its-kind cost recovery Production Sharing Contract (PSC) arbitration against the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) , resulting in the recovery of US$1Billion in contested costs on behalf of the IOC consortium.
Representing a state-owned oil and gas company and its Nigerian subsidiaries in an ongoing ICSID arbitration claim.
Advised JP Morgan Chase in a claim of c. US$800 million for breach of contract in relation to the operation of a depository account for the Nigerian Government in the English High Court.
Representing an IOC in Nigerian court proceedings in a US$900 million dispute arising out of a contract for the charter of flotel services for the Egina FPSO.
Advised two international energy companies in an ICDR arbitration in relation to a US$500 million dispute concerning the construction of small-scale LNG liquefaction facilities in Nigeria.
Transaction Advisory
Advising a large international e-commerce company in relation to the proposed launch of its consumer operations in Nigeria.
Advising IOCs regarding the impact of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Act on their businesses in Nigeria.
Advised Sinopec and its Addax subsidiaries in relation to a Transfer, Settlement and Exit Agreement with the national oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), by which Sinopec and its subsidiaries would achieve clean and amicable exit from four oil mining leases (OMLs) which were operated by Addax Petroleum under production sharing contracts with NNPC.
Expertise
Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources