Most Impactful Deals of 2025 - Nigeria
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
2025 proved to be a landmark year for Nigerian law firms, marked by a surge in local and cross-border transactions spanning several practices and sectors including finance, energy, infrastructure, technology, media, and dispute resolution.
In finance and venture capital, Dentons ACAS advised Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund LLC and its Netherlands affiliate on Kredete’s US$22 million Series A round, reinforcing investor confidence in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. Tope Adebayo LP advised SeamlessHR on its US$9 million Series A extension backed by Helios Digital Ventures and the Gates Foundation, with Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (UUBO) also advising the Gates Foundation on its participation.
The M&A and Restructuring landscape was equally active. Templars advised UAC on the acquisition of Chivita/Hollandia from Coca-Cola, while Aluko & Oyebode advised SanlamAllianz Africa on an insurance merger. Stren & Blan (SBP) advised the Anambra State Government on the establishment of the Anambra State Development and Investment Corporation.
Nigeria’s creative industries saw strong legal backing. Templars advised Higher Ground on the Fela Kuti: Fear No Man podcast, with DLA Piper Africa (Olajide Oyewole) handling rights, clearances, and estate preservation. Stetson LLP advised on rights clearance for Olamide’s Olamide album, and Olisa Agbakoba Legal advised on Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill a Monkey series.
The banking and capital markets space saw several headline deals. Templars advised UBA on its ₦239 billion recapitalisation, while Olaniwun Ajayi advised Seplat Energy PLC on the issuance of US$650 million Rule 144A/Reg S senior notes. Banwo & Ighodalo (B&I) advised Afreximbank on a €2 billion syndicated facility to the Bank of Industry, alongside G. Elias acting as Nigerian counsel to Afreximbank on the US$1.35 billion syndicated financing to Dangote.
These and many more showcased Nigerian law firms as key drivers of market evolution. We have put together a list of the most impactful deals as we gear for the new year.
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