Energy, Oil & Gas

Energy, Oil & Gas Lawyers in Lagos & Abuja

We help operators, investors, service companies and power developers obtain the licences, permits and approvals they need in Nigeria's oil, gas and power sectors, and advise on the transactions and projects that follow.

Licences, permits and approvals across oil, gas and power

Almost every activity in Nigeria's energy sector needs a regulator's approval. Under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) licenses exploration and production, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) licenses gas processing, pipelines, refineries, depots, filling stations, LPG plants and the trade in petroleum products. Under the Electricity Act 2023, generation, distribution and mini-grid projects need licences from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) or a state electricity regulator. Our energy, oil and gas lawyers identify the approvals your project or business needs, prepare the applications and deal with the regulators until they are granted. We also advise on Nigerian content requirements, the acquisition and sale of energy assets, gas and power agreements, and the financing behind them.

Why clients choose our energy, oil and gas lawyers

We start with the approvals. Before you commit capital, we map every licence, permit and consent your project needs, the order they must be obtained in, and how long each is likely to take, so construction and investment decisions are not made ahead of the regulators. Our Abuja office in Wuse 2 is close to the head offices of the NUPRC, NMDPRA, NERC and NCDMB, where we attend to applications and regulatory meetings in person. Our Lagos office in Lekki works with the operators, service companies, traders, developers and investors based in Lagos.

Who we act for

Indigenous and international oil and gas operators Oil and gas service companies and contractors Gas, LPG and CNG businesses, depots and filling stations Power developers, mini-grid operators and large energy users Buyers, sellers and investors in energy assets Banks and development finance institutions financing energy projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Energy, Oil & Gas: common questions

Which regulator licenses filling stations and LPG plants in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) licenses filling stations, LPG plants, depots and other midstream and downstream facilities, usually through a staged process of site approval, approval to construct and a licence to operate.

Who regulates upstream oil and gas in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) regulates exploration and production, including petroleum prospecting licences, petroleum mining leases, field development and decommissioning.

Who regulates electricity in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) regulates the national grid and interstate electricity. Under the Electricity Act 2023, states can also establish their own electricity markets and regulators for electricity within the state.

Do I need a licence for a solar mini-grid?

Larger mini-grids generally need a permit, while smaller ones may only need to be registered. Where a state has established its own electricity market, its regulator's rules apply, so the answer depends on the size and location of the project.

Can a foreign company own oil and gas assets in Nigeria?

Yes, subject to the regulatory approvals that apply to the asset, including Ministerial consent for upstream interests, and to Nigerian content requirements. Foreign companies usually invest through a Nigerian company.

What is the NCDMB?

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board administers the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010. It reviews Nigerian content plans, registers contractors and monitors compliance across the industry.

Contact

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Contact the firm+234 816 850 4153