Nigeria, with Africa’s largest economy, possesses a highly dynamic and sophisticated legal market, predominantly centered in Lagos. The top firms are essential players in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), guiding massive infrastructure and energy projects, and executing high-value mergers and capital market transactions.
The following list identifies the most influential and consistently top-ranked commercial law firms in Nigeria, based on their deep experience, prestige, and consistent Band 1/Tier 1 recognition from leading international legal directories in core areas like Corporate/Commercial, Finance, and Energy.
Top 10 Commercial Law Firms in Nigeria
| Rank (Approx.) | Firm Name | Headquarters | Key Specialties/Focus |
| 1 | Aluko & Oyebode | Lagos | Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, Private Equity. A venerable and consistent market leader. |
| 2 | Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie | Lagos | Corporate Transactions, Joint Ventures, Energy & Natural Resources. Known for complex restructurings and disposals. |
| 3 | Banwo & Ighodalo | Lagos | Capital Markets, Private Equity, Corporate Finance. Highly regarded for oil & gas and investment work. |
| 4 | Templars | Lagos | Energy & Infrastructure (Oil & Gas, Renewables), Project Finance, M&A. One of the largest firms by headcount. |
| 5 | Olaniwun Ajayi LP | Lagos | Banking & Finance, Private Equity, M&A, strong in financial and corporate regulatory matters. |
| 6 | G. Elias & Co. | Lagos | Business Law, Capital Markets, Tax, known for critical, complex, and innovative work. |
| 7 | ΗΌLEX | Lagos | Full-service Commercial Law and Dispute Resolution. Strong regional presence in West Africa (Ghana office). |
| 8 | Jackson, Etti & Edu | Lagos | Intellectual Property (IP), Energy, Full-service Commercial Law. Leading firm for IP protection. |
| 9 | Bloomfield Law Practice | Lagos | Financial Institutions, Energy & Natural Resources, M&A, specialist commercial advice. |
| 10 | Detail Commercial Solicitors | Lagos | Specialist Commercial Law Firm. Focuses on investments, acquisitions, and finance transactions. |
π‘ The Lagos Legal Ecosystem
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The Powerhouse Tier: The top five firms (Aluko & Oyebode, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, Banwo & Ighodalo, Templars, and Olaniwun Ajayi LP) are consistently rated in Band 1 across multiple practice areas, dominating the landscape of high-value transactional work.
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Energy Sector Focus: Given Nigeria’s status as a major oil and gas producer, many leading firms, particularly Templars and Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, have world-class practices in Energy & Natural Resources, including the growing field of Renewable Energy.
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Corporate and Finance Dominance: The core of the market is built on guiding local conglomerates and multinational companies through large M&A deals, Capital Markets listings, and complex Private Equity investments.
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International Outlook: Firms maintain a strong international outlook, often belonging to global alliances (like G. Elias & Co. being a member of Multilaw) or having strategic partnerships (like Dentons ACAS-Law), ensuring they can handle cross-border mandates for international financiers and global fund managers.
These firms are the drivers of corporate legal work in West Africa, adapting to the needs of the fast-growing technology, financial services, and infrastructure sectors.