Nigeria’s corporate law firms stand at the forefront of the nation’s economic transformation.
These legal powerhouses provide essential guidance on high-stakes transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and major infrastructure projects.
Their expertise helps both local businesses and international investors navigate Nigeria’s complex regulatory environment while maximizing opportunities in Africa’s largest market.
The success of these firms rests largely on their managing partners – accomplished legal minds who blend courtroom expertise with boardroom strategy.
From negotiating billion-dollar energy deals to structuring cross-border investments, Nigeria’s top legal professionals have earned global recognition for their work.
In this review, we examine ten standout managing partners whose vision and track record continue to elevate Nigeria’s legal industry.
Kenneth “Ken” Etim serves as Managing Partner of Banwo & Ighodalo (B&I), where he has been a driving force since joining the firm in 1993. Recognized by Chambers & Partners as “very knowledgeable” in project finance, Ken combines sharp negotiation skills with deep sector expertise to close complex, multi-million dollar transactions, particularly in energy and project finance.
A 1990 law graduate of the University of Uyo and Nigerian Law School alumnus, Ken has spearheaded nearly all of B&I’s landmark energy deals while building parallel strengths in commercial litigation and arbitration. His practice focuses on energy & natural resources, project finance, and shipping/aviation law.
Ken actively contributes to professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (USA), and Lagos Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Law Committee. Under his co-leadership with Asue Ighodalo, B&I has advised on transformative transactions like Renaissance Africa Energy’s acquisition of Shell’s Nigerian assets and PAT Holding’s 100% purchase of Pan African Towers.
The firm maintains particular distinction in oil & gas M&A, regularly guiding foreign investors through Nigerian energy sector transactions while serving clients like SPOK Capital and AAA Consortium Fund Managers. Ken’s three-decade tenure continues to shape B&I’s reputation for marrying local market insight with international deal standards.
