Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Stren and Blan Partners has solid expertise in handling prominent IP disputes, often for well-known international brands. Amala Umeike heads up the practice.
Under the leadership of Tope Adebayo and Harrison Ogalagu, the team at Tope Adebayo LP is instructed in matters involving the enforcement of international arbitral awards, and is adept at handling alternative dispute resolution and litigation.

Dispute resolution in Nigeria

ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode

The practice at ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode stands out for its strong track record in handling oil and gas, fintech, IP and tax litigation. The group is led by the 'knowledgeable' Babatunde Fagbohunlu, who specialises in handling commercial litigation and arbitration. Dindam Killi is well known for regularly appearing in litigation before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, as is the 'very professional and thorough' Joke Aliu, who was made co-managing partner of the firm in January 2023. Chukwuka Ikwuazom specialises in contentious tax matters, and Tochukwu Anaenugwu handles banking and finance, employment, and energy disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Babatunde Fagbohunlu


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Joke Aliu; Chukwuka Ikwuazom; Dindam Killi; Tochukwu Anaenugwu; Mark Mordi; Tonye Krukrubo; Imaobong Haastrup; Innocent Ekpen


Referenzen

‘The team was thorough and detailed in analysing the issues at hand before they advised on the legal approach to follow. Knowledgeable and professional.’

‘The team was able to understand the technicalities of the dispute at issue despite it being a very novel subject matter. Effective collaboration with our internal team.’

‘The team at Aluko & Oyebode consists of top-notch lawyers who are synchronized.’

Kernmandanten

Paystack Payments Ltd


Responsibility Mgt Company SA


Symbiotics Sicav and Belgian Investment Company


Trafigura Beheer B. V.


First Bank of Nigeria Limited


The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited


Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited


Prime 127 Nigeria Limited


AT3 Resources Limited


Monster Energy Company


Nigeria Bottling Company Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defended the First Bank of Nigeria Limited against an action initiated by the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Service before the High Court of Lagos.
  • Successfully represented Prime 127 Nigeria Ltd in an action filed before the National Industrial Court against the Minister of Petroleum Resources and two other entities, involving a challenge to the validity of the guidelines for the Release of Staff in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry 2019.
  • Acted for Paystack Payments Ltd in a case involving claims of negligence for allegedly enabling fraudulent transactions.

G. Elias & Co

The disputes practice at G. Elias & Co is home to a team with extensive experience in handling white-collar crime investigations. Department head Gbolahan Elias has a broad practice, which takes in construction, employment, real estate, and tax disputes, and Fred Onuobia is a key contact for international financial institutions. Contentious tax matters are prominent in the workload for both Fidelis Adewole and Stephen Arubike; the latter is also recognised for his expertise in energy litigation. Abubakar Anafi is well regarded for advising on share price manipulation issues. Chimezie Onuzulike is experienced in handling commercial litigation and international arbitration. Marian Asuenimhen has left the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Gbolahan Elias; Fred Onuobia; Fidelis Adewole; Abubakar Anafi; Stephen Arubike


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Chimezie Onuzulike


Referenzen

‘The law firm is made up of courteous, highly professional, and dedicated staff with high intellects.’

‘The team is extremely diverse.’

‘They have high intellect and provide feedback on court proceedings in good time.’

Kernmandanten

British American Tobacco Plc


Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Ltd


Titan Trust Bank Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc


Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd.


Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD)


MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd


New Skies Satellite B.V.


FBN Insurance Limited


Arik Air Nigeria Ltd.


UAC of Nigeria PLC


IMA Zambia Limited


Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing British American Tobacco in product liability cases with a claim of over N5trn.
  • Advising a power-generation developer client on two ICC arbitrations brought against the Federal Government of Nigeria, valued at over $1.1 billion.
  • Successfully represented Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Titan Trust Bank Limited in two lawsuits heard before the Federal High Court and the Investments and Securities Tribunal respectively.

Olaniwun Ajayi LP

The ‘robust‘ practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is well known for representing financial institutions, private corporations, and public sector entities in a broad range of matters. Olabisi Makanjuola is experienced in handling capital markets issues, shareholder disputes and litigation arising from infrastructure projects, and is also active in white-collar crime matters. Oluseye Opasanya brings expertise in advising on international disputes, while Konyin Ajayi handles investment litigation and Echefu Ukattah has a solid track record in assisting with contentious maritime mandates. Michael Amadi is a key contact for contentious construction and oil and gas matters, and Abiola Tella is active in debt recovery, aviation and employment claims.

Praxisleiter:

Olabisi Makanjuola; Echefu Ukattah


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Konyin Ajayi; Oluseye Opasanya; Michael Amadi; Abiola Tella


Referenzen

‘The practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP is very robust. The team offers intelligent opinions and comes up with creative and practical solutions.’

‘Responsive and easily accessible, the team is intelligent and this reflects in the quality of opinion.’

‘The firm has built a sterling reputation for its excellence delivery, superior legal work, and bespoke client service. The partners and associates are very knowledgeable and client oriented.’

Kernmandanten

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited


TAV Airports Holding Company


Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria


BGP/CNPC International Nigeria Limited


Vigeo Power Limited


Salvic Petroleum Resources Limited


Kano Electricity Distribution Company Plc (KEDCO)


ENL Consortium Limited (ENL)


First City Monument Bank


Atlas Mara Limited


Templars

Templars garners praise for its 'expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, pre-dispute advisory services, and litigation'. Practice head Adewale Atake is regularly instructed by banks, international corporations, and oil companies in a broad range of disputes. Tax litigation is a key area of strength for Godwin Omoaka, Sesan Sulaiman, and Igonikon Adekunle, while Orji Agwu Uka and Izuchukwu Ohajinwa are active in international arbitration. Commercial and public law litigator Stanley U. Nweke-Eze and Munachiso Michael are singled out for their contributions. Victor Igwe has left the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Adewale Atake


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Godwin Omoaka; Sesan Sulaiman; Igonikon Adekunle; Stanley U. Nweke-Eze; Orji Agwu Uka; Izuchukwu Ohajinwa; Munachiso Michael; Inam Wilson


Referenzen

‘The team has expertise in alternative dispute resolution methods, pre-dispute advisory services, and litigation.’

‘Templars has a great team who go over and beyond to deliver for clients.’

‘The team assigned to us was very approachable and took the time to ensure that it was abreast of all regulations and laws.’

Kernmandanten

Zupt LLC


Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited


Google LLC


Shell Petroleum Development Corporation of Nigeria


Google Global Services Nigeria Limited


Nigeria LNG Limited (“NLNG”)


Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria Limited


Total Energies EP Nigeria Limited


Halliburton Energy Services Nigeria Limited


Sparkle Microfinance Bank Limited


MRS Oil Nigeria Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing an IOC and its shareholders in US$1.3 Billion arbitration and related litigation proceedings pursuant to a joint operating agreement.
  • Representing Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited before the Federal High Court regarding the enforcement of an arbitration clause under a Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement in connection with a US$20 million claim.
  • Representing Zupt LLC in a US$2,000,000 commercial dispute relating to the enforcement of a non-exclusive Collaboration Agreement in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie

At Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, the practice is home to 'a very experienced team of litigators' with 'excellent dispute resolution skills'. The group is well-versed in representing high-profile clients in international disputes. Uzoma Azikiwe heads up the department, in which arbitration expert Festus Onyia and Mesuabari Mene-Josiah garner praise as 'accessible and detail-oriented' practitioners. Olukayode Dada advises on commercial litigation and white-collar crime matters, while Olamide Aleshinloye is an expert in asset and debt recovery claims.  Michael Ugah is a key contact for contentious tax work;  Shakirudeen Mosobalaje is well-versed in oil and gas litigation; and Mesuabari Mene-Josiah handles commercial, employment and real estate disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Uzoma Azikiwe


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Festus Onyia; Mesuabari Mene-Josiah; Olukayode Dada; Mesuabari Mene-Josiah; Olamide Aleshinloye; Michael Ugah; Shakirudeen Mosobalaje; Mena Ajakpovi


Referenzen

‘The dispute resolution team is collaborative.’

‘A client-focused law firm with remarkable attention to detail, and a very experienced team of litigators.’

‘Festus Onyia and Mesuabari Mene-Josiah standout. They are one of the best commercial dispute resolution teams in the market. They are accessible and detail oriented.’

Kernmandanten

Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited (formerly known as Statoil Nigeria Limited)


Abbot Investment (North Africa) Limited


Schlumberger Nigeria Ltd


Pfizer Specialties Limited


HSBC Bank


Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited


International Finance Corporation


Seplat Energy Plc


General Electric Company Limited


Mr. Basil Omiyi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Seplat Energy Plc


Richard Mofe-Damijo


Notore Chemical Industries Plc


British Broadcasting Corporation


KCA Deutag Nigeria Limited and KCA Deutag Drilling GMBH


Aikan Uganda Limited


Vlisco Nigeria Limited


Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited


Google LLC and Alphabet Inc


UAC Foods Limited


Vitol Finance BV


Unilever Nigeria PLC


Petrogas Nigeria Ltd


Pension Alliance Ltd


Norebo Hong Kong Limited


Dermalog Identification Systems GmbH


Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited


Cummins West Africa Limited


C & N Investments Limited


Union Bank Plc


Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited


Etex Group


Bell Point Energy Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Google LLC in a lawsuit involving a USD 1 billion damages claim relating to libellous videos published on YouTube.
  • Representing Aiteo Eastern E & P in a dispute with Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited (SPDC) concerning alleged misrepresentation arising out of the Agreement for Assignment (AFA) of SPDC’s interest in the Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML 29).

AELEX

AELEX advises on contentious restructuring matters, tax disputes and IP litigation, to name a few areas of expertise. Olanipekun Orewale is well versed in insolvency matters, while Perenami Momodu handles cross-border commercial disputes and arbitration. Adedapo Tunde-Olowu co-heads the disputes practice with Orewale; Ugonna Ogbuagu represents global oil and gas companies in tax disputes; and Oluwaseun Philip-Idiok is active in restructuring and insolvency litigation. Rafiq Anammah is a practitioner to note. Davidson Oturu has left the firm.

Praxisleiter:

Adedapo Tunde-Olowu; Olanipekun Orewale


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Rafiq Anammah; Perenami Momodu; Ugonna Ogbuagu; Oluwaseun Philip-Idiok


Referenzen

‘Easy to reach, great turnaround time, and up to date knowledge that is useful in emerging areas and the regulatory space.’

‘Response time and easy accessibility.’

Kernmandanten

Baker Hughes


General Electric


GE International Operations Nigeria Limited


GE Oil & Gas


Embraer SA


Nokia Siemens Nigeria


Shoprite Checkers Pty Ltd of South Africa


Exxon Mobil


British American Tobacco Ltd


Sproxil Nigeria Limited


Rusal Group


Bristow Helicopters


Chevron Nigeria Limited


Rheinmetall AG


CNOOC


Food Concepts Plc


ZTE Nigeria Limited


Ecobank Nigeria Plc


ETCO Nigeria Limited


China Harbour Engineering Company Nig. Ltd


Huawei Technologies Company (Nigeria) limited


Bureau of Public Enterprises


Westfield Energy Resources Limited


TNT Management Bahrain E.C.


Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Shoprite)


MasterCard


Systems Applications Products (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited


Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited


Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited


Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation


Xanderwill Limited


Mountlivo Limited


Banwo & Ighodalo

Under the leadership of Abimbola Akeredolu and Chinedum Umeche, Banwo & Ighodalo is noted for its extensive expertise in advising on employment, immigration, tax, and white-collar disputes. The practice is regularly instructed by international clients on a wide spectrum of contentious commercial matters. Sixtus Iwuoha acts for corporates and individuals in a broad range of areas, including energy, intellectual property, and international trade. Adeola Agunbiade-Adeyemi is well regarded for her strength in cross-border litigation and international arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Abimbola Akeredolu; Chinedum Umeche


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sixtus Iwuoha; Adeola Agunbiade-Adeyemi


Referenzen

‘Attention to detail, solid quality of drafting.’

Kernmandanten

UAC Restaurants Limited


UAC of Nigeria PLC


Red Pepper Pictures (Pty) Limited


Red Pepper Nigeria Limited


Julius Berger Nigeria PLC


Primetech Design and Engineering Nigeria Limited


Oriental Energy Resources Limited


Nigachem Nigeria Limited


Ardova PLC


Ignite Investment and Commodities Limited


Shoreline Natural Resources Limited


Petraco Energies DMCC


Grand Cereals Limited


Chemical and Allied Products PLC


Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited


MTN Nigeria Communications PLC


Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully acted for Ardova PLC (“Ardova”) at the Federal High Court in a dispute with a minority shareholder.
  • Successfully represented Grand Cereals Limited in litigation brought by Jigna-Eco Ranch against the client concerning alleged contamination of fish feed.
  • Represented Red Pepper Pictures (Pty) Limited and its Nigerian affiliate, Red Pepper Pictures Nigeria Limited, in a copyright infringement claim.

Olajide Oyewole LLP

Olajide Oyewole LLP is singled out for its strength in advising on shareholder disputes. The practice is jointly led by Tunde Oyewole and Muyiwa Ogungbenro, who has a solid track record in advising on cross-border commercial litigation and tax issues. Charles Bassey is adept at representing clients in the aviation, financial services and manufacturing sectors in commercial disputes. Tobechi Ogazi is well versed in handling white-collar crime matters, and Similoluwa Adeyemi fields expertise in assisting with oil and gas litigation and arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Tunde Oyewole; Muyiwa Ogungbenro


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Charles Bassey; Tobechi Ogazi; Similoluwa Adeyemi


Referenzen

‘Prompt advice and swift assistance. ’

‘I commend the strategic and systematic approach of the team.’

‘Diligence and attention to details.’

Kernmandanten

Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited


SHI-MCI FZE


Rite Foods Ltd


Tata


Menzies Aviation (PTY) Ltd


MasterCard Foundation


Tecnimont SpA


O&O Networks Ltd (Ecobank Group)


DHL International Limited


DHL Global Forwarding Limited


BB Energy Group


Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria


Future Energies Africa Ltd


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Samsung Heavy Industries entities in a US$300 million shareholder dispute.
  • Representing Tecnimont Nigeria Limited and Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. in disputes arising from a engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract at the Port Harcourt refinery complex valued at USD 1.5 billion.
  • Representing Rite Foods Limited in a trademark infringement and passing off claim by Bigibet Limited.

Bloomfield LP

Led by Adedoyin Afun, Bloomfield LP's practice has a strong track record in advising on oil and gas, employment, and maritime disputes. Adekunle Obebe's workload includes arbitration, commercial litigation, and contentious tax matters, while Michael Abiiba regularly appears in cases before domestic and international tribunals.

Praxisleiter:

Adedoyin Afun


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Michael Abiiba; Adekunle Obebe


Highlight-Mandate


  • Successfully acted for ND Western in recovering all outstanding payments due under a crude oil evacuation agreement from Ship & Shore Services Limited.
  • Representing Purple Capital Partners Limited in a claim for damages and loss of earnings brought against Onyii Obi.

Dentons ACAS-Law

At Dentons ACAS-Law, Funke Agbor and Isaac Ogbobula are highly regarded for their extensive experience in handling labour and employment and oil and gas disputes. Chisa Uba represents ship owners and shipping lines in a range of contentious matters. Michael Akinleye acts in IP litigation pertaining to commercial transactions and agreements, and has particular strength in advising on intellectual property rights protection.

Praxisleiter:

Funke Agbor; Chisa Uba; Isaac Ogbobula; Michael Akinleye


Kernmandanten

Apple Inc.


Google LLC.


BB Energy Nigeria Limited


BB Energy Holding Mauritius Limited


Energy Ventures Partner Limited


Onward Entreprises Limited


Oriental Energy Resources Limited


Dellatre Bezons Nigeria Limited


Truck Tech Platform Limited


Truck Transit Parks Limited


Monsanto Agricultural Nigeria Limited


TotalEnergies Nigeria


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defending Apple against a claim of alleged interference with iPhone performance.
  • Defended Polaris Bank Limited against a claim filed by a customer alleging unlawful deductions and charges in the sum of over N8,000,000,000.
  • Representing Delattre Bezons Nigeria Limited in a debt recovery claim.

Jackson, Etti & Edu

Jackson, Etti & Edu’s practice is praised for its ‘expertise in arbitration, mediation, and negotiations’, and is recognised for its strength in handling debt recovery claims, IP disputes and labour and employment litigation. Department head Obafemi Agaba has a strong track record in representing international clients in copyright, patent, and trademark litigation. Toyosi Odunmbaku handles contractual, oil and gas, and shareholder disputes, while Irene Momoh is active in international trade disputes. Oloruntobi Opawoye is a key practitioner.

Praxisleiter:

Obafemi Agaba


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Toyosi Odunmbaku; Oloruntobi Opawoye; Irene Momoh


Referenzen

‘The team stands out for its expertise in arbitration, mediation, and negotiations. A strong track record resolving cases instils confidence in potential clients.’

‘A client-centric approach, emphasizing communication, transparency, and efficiency. The team showcases a commitment to meeting clients’ needs promptly and effectively.’

‘Profound industry expertise and specialization enables them to provide tailored legal solutions, showcasing a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges.’

Kernmandanten

Eko Hotels Limited


Baker Hughes Incorporated


Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria


Royal Unibrew A/S


Fremantle Media Group Limited


Fan Milk Plc


British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited


Hayat Kimya Sanayi Anonim Sirketi


IHS Nigeria Limited


Ontario Oil and Gas Limited


Bank of Africa


Cadbury Nigeria Plc


Sahara Group


Schneider Electric (Nigeria) Limited


Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Ltd.


CitiBank NA


Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)


United Airlines Inc


Bayer Aktiengesellschaft


Visa Inc.


Paul Osaji & Co.


Standard Chartered Bank Limited


E. Remy Martins & Co. and CLS Remy Cointreau


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, MTN Group Limited, and MTN Cameroon Limited in a copyright infringement action valued at over US$411,111,111.00.
  • Represented Alcamo International Limited in a dispute with Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria Limited.
  • Represented Ontario Trading SA in commercial litigation.

Odujinrin & Adefulu

Led by Lucky Ayeki, the practice at Odujinrin & Adefulu is praised for its ‘unique skills in dispute resolution’. The department is also well-versed in handling alternative dispute resolution and litigation, including commercial, environmental and labour disputes. Daniel Iro is regularly instructed by multinational corporations and commercial clients in work, while Adeoye Adefulu is experienced in representing public sector clients.

Praxisleiter:

Lucky Ayeki


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Daniel Iro; Adeoye Adefulu


Referenzen

‘O&A possesses unique skills in dispute resolution, supports the client to the last mile, and delivers unexpected solutions. Collaboration is key to O&A.’

Kernmandanten

Seplat Energy Plc


Lafarge Africa Plc


MTN Nigeria Communications Limited


Chevron Nigeria Limited


Veritas Glanvills Pensions Limited


Nigeria LNG Limited


Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited


Zircon Marine Limited


African Export-Import Bank


Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria


Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited


West African Forest Plantation Limited


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acted for Zircon Marine Limited in a debt recovery matter.

SPA Ajibade & Co

SPA Ajibade & Co's team is 'well-versed in alternative dispute resolution', and is equally adept at handling international commercial arbitration and litigation. Babatunde Ajibade advises on contentious company, insolvency, and labour law matters, while Kolawole Mayomi handles disputes arising from construction projects and breaches of contractual obligations. Peter Olalere is experienced in aviation, energy and real estate litigation, while Bolaji Gabari’s broad practice takes in corporate and commercial disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Babatunde Ajibade; Kolawole Mayomi, Peter Olaoye Olalere; Bolaji Gabari


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Emmanuel Bassey


Referenzen

‘The practitioners are knowledgeable and well-versed in alternative dispute resolution. The advice was well-researched and helpful.’

‘SPA Ajibade demonstrates an in-depth understanding of client requirements.’

‘The firm is well-resourced to efficiently manage litigation. The success rate of the firm is very high, and it takes pride in providing the best advice for case management based on research and experience.’

Kernmandanten

Hempel A/S


Intels Nigeria Limited


The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc


Sun International Limited


St. Stephen’s School Corporation


Union Bank of Nigeria Plc


Aviation Attorney Group


Paul Allen Oche


First Registrars Limited


Technip Offshore Nigeria Ltd


Neptune Maritime Nigeria Limited