Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie > Lagos, Nigeria > Firm Profile
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie Offices
ST NICHOLAS HOUSE (12TH FLOOR)
CATHOLIC MISSION STREET
LAGOS
Nigeria
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Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie > The Legal 500 Rankings
Nigeria > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie's practice houses a team praised by clients as ‘experts in banking and finance as well as in capital markets’, and fields experience in handling asset and acquisition finance, debt restructuring, and Islamic finance. Aniekan Ukpanah and Daniel Agbor are experts in project finance, while Yinka Edu’s workload takes in corporate, leveraged and structured finance. Adeola Sunmola and Onyinye Okafor are well versed in advising on syndicated lending transactions, and Joseph Eimunjeze has experience in regulatory and compliance issues. Other key practitioners include Victor Samuel, Nicholas Okafor, Pamela Onah and Lisa Esamah.Practice head(s):
Daniel Agbor; Aniekan Ukpanah; Yinka Edu; Nicholas Okafor; Adeola Sunmola; Joseph Eimunjeze; Onyinye Okafor
Other key lawyers:
Pamela Onah; Victor Samuel; Ekundayo Onajobi; Lisa Esamah; Abolanle Ayoola; Chisom Okolie
Testimonials
‘Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie is one of the best law firms in Nigeria and it has deep knowledge of the capital market industry.’
‘The team is well equipped with seasoned lawyers who are experts in banking & finance as well as capital markets.’
‘UUBO is in tune with the changes in diverse sectors of the practice, the lawyers have excellent drafting skills and are also very good at structuring transactions.’
‘The banking, finance and capital markets team is collaborative, with excellent understanding of the sectors.’
‘Onyinye Okafor is a star and very lovely to work with. She can be firm but very flexible to integrate ideas. She knows her craft and is very amiable. I am always delighted to work with her.’
‘Adeola Sunmola is an expert in banking & finance and capital market transactions.’
‘Pamela Onah is strong at drafting legal documents and reviewing legal documents to ensure it captures relevant issues.’
‘Victor Samuel is very hard working.’
Key clients
ABritish International Investment plc (formerly CDC Group plc)
Africa Finance Corporation
Standard Chartered Bank
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
JP Morgan
STL Trustees Limited
FBN Quest Trustees Limited
ABSA Bank Limited
Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited
European Investment Bank
Jotna Nigeria Limited
Barak Fund SPC Limited
BUA Cement Plc
Seplat Energy Plc
International Finance Corporation
International Fund for Agricultural Development
Geometric Power Limited
Echosys Invest
Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited
Sahara Energy Group
Johnvent Industries Limited
Chapel Hill Denham
Work highlights
- Advising International Finance Corporation and a consortium of other lenders in connection with a proposed issuance of a USD 500,000,000 senior secured facility to BUA Cement Plc, for the purpose of expanding the latter’s integrated cement plant.
- Advising Seplat Energy Plc on the Nigerian legal aspects of the financing, by lenders, for a proposed acquisition of a 100% stake in two holding companies.
- Advised AFD on providing a €100,000,000 unsecured term loan facility to the Bank of Industry concerning its ongoing focus on sustainable development finance.
Nigeria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
The corporate practice at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie has an excellent reputation for its strength in private equity, and is also well regarded for its expertise in advising on acquisitions and disposals, corporate restructuring, and joint ventures. Daniel Agbor is well known for his experience in corporate transactional work, Jumoke Lambo specializes in foreign investment, and Folake Elias-Adebowale is experienced in advising on disposals and joint ventures. Other notable lawyers with experience in the corporate and commercial space are Yinka Edu and Ozofu Ogiemudia.Practice head(s):
Daniel Agbor; Jumoke Lambo; Folake Elias-Adebowale; Yinka Edu; Ozofu Ogiemudia
Other key lawyers:
Tobechi Nwokocha; Aanuoluwapo Odunaike; Joseph Eimunjeze; Damilola Adedoyin; Itorobong Udom
Testimonials
‘Udo Udoma & Belo Osagie is very professional and is able to guide clients through complex transactions.’
‘Ozofu Ogiemudia stands out as one of the brightest lawyers I have ever worked with. It’s always a pleasure to work with her and her team.’
Key clients
Actis West Africa Real Estate Investment Fund LP
Tiger Brands Limited
African Capital Alliance
BioNTech SE
B Capital Global Growth Fund III L.P
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria PLC
Capricorn Digital Limited
Union Global Partners Limited
SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited
Aruwa Capital Management
Phatisa Food Fund 2
OMH Optimum Maritime Holdings Ltd/Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm AS
Seplat Energy Plc
Work highlights
- Advising Seplat Energy Plc on the Nigerian law aspects of the client’s proposed acquisition of a 100% stake in two holding companies.
- Advised OSM and Thome Group on their $33,750,000 global business combination, resulting in the creation of OSM Thome Ship Management.
- Advised BioNTech SE on the acquisition of global technology company Instadeep.
Nigeria > Dispute resolution Tier 1
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.Practice head(s):
Uzoma Azikiwe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘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.’
Key clients
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
Work highlights
- 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).
Nigeria > Energy and natural resources Tier 2
The practice at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie is home to a 'robust team of specialists' with a solid track record in handling energy and infrastructure projects. The ‘team player’ Nicholas Okafor handles greenfield and brownfield projects; Aniekan Ukpanah is well versed in advising on structuring and project financing matters; and Folake Elias-Adebowale advises on upstream and downstream petroleum work. Adeola Sunmola regularly advises on renewable energy developments, project finance and syndicated lending transactions; Onyinye Okafor is also active in the latter two areas. Victor Samuel and Godson Iwuozo have expertise in oil and gas, infrastructure and power transactions. Maryam Asabe Salami and Chisom Okolie are also singled out.Practice head(s):
Aniekan Ukpanah; Folake Elias-Adebowale; Nicholas Okafor
Other key lawyers:
Adeola Sunmola; Onyinye Okafor; Victor Samuel; Godson Iwuozo; Maryam Asabe Salami; Chisom Okolie; Mesuabari Mene-Josiah
Testimonials
‘UUBO has a team of highly specialized professionals, each with a deep understanding of their respective fields. Notably, Nicholas Okafor and Godson Iwuozo have consistently demonstrated a profound knowledge of diverse areas of law, which has been instrumental in resolving complex legal matters.’
‘The members of the team are versatile and always very eager to resolve new challenges constantly sprouting in an ever-evolving commercial transaction.’
‘UUBO is a standout law firm that excels in providing comprehensive legal services, thanks to its exceptional team, commitment to innovation, and client-centric approach.’
‘UUBO has a robust team of specialists in various legal domains. The team understands the broader context in which their clients operate. The firm has embraced technology with open arms, streamlining their processes and enhancing client experiences.’
‘The UUBO team is well-versed with the issues and related solutions for the business of its clients.’
‘Nicholas Okafor is a very knowledgeable industry leader. He is very dependable and has put together a team that is very result oriented and diverse. They deliver on very complex transactions.’
‘Nicholas Okafor is a great team player, very welcoming to client’s ideas, and demonstrates his expertise.’
‘Folake Adebowale is very knowledgeable of Oil & Gas commercial transactions.’
Key clients
Oma Power Generation Limited
Sahara Energy Group
Mitsui
Vitol Group
Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited
Chapel Hill Denham
Nigerian Infrastructure Debt Fund
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company
Jotna and Engee PET Manufacturing Company Nigeria Limited
OCP Africa Fertilizer Nigeria Limited
Internacional Finance Corporation
AIPEC Oil and Gas Limited and AIPEC Properties Limited
Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited
Geometric Power Limited
Seplat Petroleum Development Company
Geometric Power Limited
CMA CGM Terminals Group
Mirova Sunfunder
Engie Energy Access
General Atlantic Service Company L.P. / Beyond Net Zero
OSM Maritime
Work highlights
- Advising APL Electric Company Limited in connection with the acquisition of the Aba Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
- Advised OSM Maritime on a proposed offshore acquisition of Thome Group, which has a Nigerian subsidiary, TOG Shipping and Offshore Management Nigeria Limited.
- Advised Engie Energy Access and its Nigerian subsidiary Engie Fenix Nigeria Limited on regulatory matters concerning its business model and contractual issues for the provision of off grid solar power facilities in Nigeria.
Nigeria > Real estate and construction Tier 2
The practice at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie stands out for providing a client base of developers, investors and government entities with 'excellent support'. Department head Aniekan Ukpanah has established expertise in advising on infrastructure project financing matters. Ekundayo Onajobi is well versed in handling land acquisitions, and Ifunanya Nwafor and Ikenna Edeh are very experienced in assisting with real estate transactions.Practice head(s):
Aniekan Ukpanah
Other key lawyers:
Ekundayo Onajobi; Ifunanya Nwafor; Ikenna Edeh; Ozofu Latunde Ogiemudia; Adeola Sunmola
Testimonials
‘The team understands the peculiarity of any particular legal subject, and it always strives to exceed expectations. ’
‘The team offers excellent support promptly under extreme pressure.’
Key clients
British American Tobacco Marketing
Mediterranean Shipping Company
First Concepts & Properties Limited
Niger Classic Investment
Marriott International Inc
Schlumberger Nigeria Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Castalia Advisor on legal matters pertaining to a low cost energy efficient housing scheme.
- Assisted Schlumberger with negotiations, due diligence, and leasing of 11 apartments at Empire Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
- Advised FCPL on various lease arrangements relating to the Heritage Place building.
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie > Firm Profile
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (UUBO) is a full service, multi-disciplinary law firm that is focused on facilitating corporate and commercial business throughout Nigeria, and across Africa.
Founded in 1983, UUBO has evolved into a multi-disciplinary, 15-partner concern with 137 professional employees, including more than 70 lawyers, with offices in Nigeria’s key commercial centres.
At Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, we enjoy an extensive network of long-term regional and international relationships with reputable African and international law firms, and strategic affiliations with leading global organisations that contribute to our strong capacity to seamlessly deliver dynamic solutions and to coordinate multi-jurisdictional assignments across over 21 practice areas to the diverse local, African and international clients with whom we are privileged to work.
Our practice areas include aviation, compliance and investigations, media, entertainment and sports, real estate and construction, banking and finance, corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, tax, business establishment, corporate immigration, employment, oil and gas, telecommunications, media and technology, capital markets, intellectual property, power, infrastructure and projects, fintech, litigation, arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution, private equity, and corporate governance and company secretarial services through our subsidiary, Alsec Nominees Limited.
We are privileged to enjoy a reputation for our culture of excellence and long-term commitment to quality service delivery. Our philosophy from inception has been that legal advice should be of the highest possible standards, accessible, commercially oriented, and consistently sound on principle.
As a firm, we have developed a reputation for being trusted with innovative assignments, facilitating complex, unusual transactions, resolving a broad range of disputes, generating legal solutions within a relatively short space of time.
The diverse backgrounds, skills and insights of our lawyers’ and our collaborative, ‘hands-on’ approach to solving problems all contribute to the recurrently high independent peer and positive client reviews of our work. This has resulted in top tier rankings in leading global directories including Chambers Global Directory, Chambers FinTech Guide, the Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal and the IFLR 1000, which summarised research findings to report that UUBO is “…widely accepted as the corporate firm of choice in Nigeria and the go-to firm for a wide percentage of international outfits looking for local counsel in Nigeria.’’
Without exception, all of our male and female partners have been recognised by a variety of regional and international publications and organisations for the quality of their work and leadership in the legal space, and the depth of our bench is demonstrated by the independent recognition and awards accorded to several of our associates as ‘up and coming’ stars in their areas of specialisation.
We are particularly proud of the fact that for almost 40 years, our 15-partner firm has been and remains a meritocracy with unparalleled gender parity across its partnership from inception and all levels of employment in Nigeria.
As a large and evolving firm, our internal structure is a key contributor to our continued success. In addition to our lawyers and other professionals, we have strong organisational structures and the support of a fully fleshed operations unit with experienced back office talent including a robust technology and business enterprise team, all led by a chief operations officer. We attribute the readiness with which we sustain our business continuity and have been able to continue to facilitate our clients’ business in variable and even challenging circumstances – including the unprecedented global pandemic – to the drive and dedication of our dynamic support team.
The institutionalisation of the firm’s structure allows us to remain a top-ranked firm in the legal space while ensuring that we are able to execute and contribute to our many CSR and pro bono projects. We strongly believe in giving back, and do so via a variety of initiatives and organisations such as the Lex Mundi Hurricane Disaster Relief Trust, various COVID-19 relief efforts, Child Lifeline (an association for the care and education of street children and young persons in need) among many others. We provide support on pro-bono and charitable basis to a variety of institutions including in the healthcare, micro, small and medium enterprises, arts and business space and other sectors.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Aviation | Jumoke Lambo | [email protected] | |
Banking and finance | Aniekan Ukpanah | [email protected] | |
Banking and finance | Yinka Edu | [email protected] | |
Business establishment and corporate immigration | Jumoke Lambo | [email protected] | |
Capital markets | Yinka Edu | [email protected] | |
Company secretarial services | Jumoke Lambo | [email protected] | |
Compliance and investigations | Lolade Ososami | [email protected] | |
Corporate advisory including M&A and restructuring | Dan Agbor | [email protected] | |
Corporate advisory including M&A and restructuring | Folake Elias-Adebowale | [email protected] | |
Employment | Jumoke Lambo | [email protected] | |
Employment | Ozofu Ogiemudia | ||
Intellectual property | Mena Ajakpovi | [email protected] | |
Dispute Resolution | Uzoma Azikiwe, SAN | ||
Dispute Resolution | Mena Ajakpovi | [email protected] | |
Dispute Resolution | Festus Onyia | [email protected] | |
Mining & Metals | Lolade Ososami | [email protected] | |
Oil and gas | Folake Elias-Adebowale | [email protected] | |
Power, infrastructure and projects | Nicholas Okafor | [email protected] | |
Private equity | Dan Agbor | [email protected] | |
Private equity | Folake Elias-Adebowale | [email protected] | |
Private equity | Ozofu Ogiemudia | ||
Pro bono | Yinka Edu | [email protected] | |
Pro bono | Ozofu Ogiemudia | ||
Real estate | Aniekan Ukpanah | [email protected] | |
Tax | Lolade Ososami | [email protected] | |
Telecommunications, media and technology | Jumoke Lambo | [email protected] |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 70Languages
EnglishMemberships
Lex Mundi Employment Law Association Nigerian Bar Association International Bar Association African Private Equity & Venture Capital Associaton (Nigeria) Private Equity and Venture Capital Association Emerging Market Private Equity Association Capital Market Solicitors Association Nigerian Gas AssociationOther
Other offices : Abuja Other offices : Port Harcourt- Banking, finance and capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Energy and natural resources
- Real estate and construction