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.
Bola Tinubu leads the Corporate and Boardroom Counsel Practices at DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria (Olajide Oyewole LLP), with over 30 years of experience advising boards, multinationals, public institutions, and private businesses across diverse sectors. She is recognised for providing strategic legal support that enhances board-level decision-making, embeds robust governance frameworks, and ensures regulatory compliance. Her expertise covers M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, corporate restructurings, and complex commercial agreements.
Bola is also a leading voice on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters, advising on sustainability governance, anti-corruption, global supply chain transparency, data protection, climate risk, and gender equity. In 2023, she was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Cambridge University Institute of Sustainability Leadership.
At Olajide Oyewole LLP, she has led several high-profile transactions.
- The firm advised Future Energies Africa Limited on acquiring a 60% stake in Kano Electricity Distribution Company Ltd., acted as lead counsel for the 100% equity sale of IMC Plantations Limited, and represented sellers in the sale of Lagos Preparatory Secondary School.
The firm also represents clients such as Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Oando Plc, Mainstream Energy Solutions, Powergas, Mitsubishi Power Europe, Argentil Capital Partners, and Mobile Power.
