The firm’s Banking and Finance practice is a key area of specialisation for which it has consistently earned some of its highest commendations from independent ranking publications, including Chambers Global, IFLR 1000, Legal 500 and Who’s Who legal. The team is particularly noted for its strength in acquisition finance, secured and unsecured facilities, syndicated loans, and project finance.

The team developed its initial international financing experience when it advised on various issues arising out of the re-financing of Nigeria’s international commercial debt in the 1980s. It has also advised on issues arising out of the re-financing of debt owed by various Nigerian commercial banks to international creditors. Further, we have a wealth of experience in preparing and reviewing financing documentation and vetting foreign law-governed contracts to evaluate their efficacy and validity under Nigerian law, or within the context of Nigerian laws and regulations.

Our Banking and Finance clients range from local and international banks, development finance institutions and other financial institutions, to arrangers, facility agents, borrowers and sponsors. We offer expert advice on incorporation, establishment, setting up representative offices, regulatory capital, foreign exchange and other general regulatory compliance issues, including Central Bank of Nigeria regulations and the operations of financial institutions in the sector.

Our Banking and Finance team also routinely advises on corporate and commercial lending, project and structured finance transactions, syndicated financing, asset-based lending, debt capital markets, real estate financing, and hotel financing. Additionally, we handle Islamic banking and finance, global depository receipts, and leasing. We have structured transactions relating to debt restructuring, debt-to-equity conversions, swaps, other derivative transactions and other forms of acquisition finance.