Abdulrazak Abdulganiyu
Senior Associate
Industry
Oil and Gas
Upstream, midstream and downstream advice under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, including licensing, tax, contracts, local content and disputes.
Overview
The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 reorganised Nigeria’s oil and gas regulation, fiscal terms and host community obligations. We advise operators, service companies, investors and lenders on working within it.
We advise on licensing by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, asset acquisitions, joint operating and service contracts, gas projects, Nigerian content obligations and host community development trusts.
Our team has advised a liquefied natural gas company on the tax implications of a planned investment and its engineering, procurement and construction contracts, and an oil and gas company on the tax implications of acquiring aircraft. We also act in disputes involving operators, contractors and communities.
What we do
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Acreage Acquisitions and Dispositions
Advising on the acquisition, disposition, and development of oil and gas acreage, pipelines, facilities, and plants, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maximizing value for our clients.
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Schemes
Structuring host community arrangements and other CSR schemes to promote positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders, fostering sustainable development and social impact.
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Joint Venture and Joint Operating Agreements
Drafting and negotiating joint venture and joint operating agreements to govern the rights and obligations of parties involved in oil and gas exploration, development, and production projects.
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Field Development Agreements
Advising on production sharing, risk service, and other field development agreements, facilitating the efficient and cost-effective development of oil and gas reserves.
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Transportation Agreements
Negotiating shipping, pipeline, trucking, and other transport agreements for the transportation of crude hydrocarbons and refined products, ensuring reliable and efficient logistics operations.
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Sales and Export Agreements
Structuring export and sales agreements for crude hydrocarbons and refined products, facilitating international trade and maximizing market opportunities for our clients.
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Regulatory Compliance
Providing guidance on "local content" requirements, licensing obligations, and other regulatory matters governing the oil and gas industry, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contracts
Drafting and negotiating engineering, procurement, and construction contracts for oil and gas projects, managing project risks and ensuring timely and cost-effective project delivery.
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Project Financing
Advising on project finance structures, refinancing, and insolvency matters related to oil and gas projects, optimizing financing arrangements and mitigating financial risks.
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Tax Advisory
Providing strategic tax advice on the tax implications of oil and gas transactions and investments, optimizing tax efficiencies and minimizing tax liabilities for our clients.
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Litigation and Arbitration
Representing clients in oil and gas-related litigation and arbitration proceedings, including disputes over contractual rights, regulatory compliance, and property rights, to protect their interests and resolve conflicts efficiently.
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Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
Assisting clients in establishing positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders, managing social and environmental impacts, and promoting sustainable development practices.
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Environmental Compliance
Advising on environmental regulations and compliance requirements to ensure responsible and sustainable oil and gas exploration and production activities, mitigating environmental risks and liabilities.
Our team
FAQs
Under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission regulates the upstream sector, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority regulates the midstream and downstream sectors.
Trusts that upstream operators must set up for their host communities under the Act, funded by an annual contribution of 3% of the operator’s actual operating expenditure in the previous year.
Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010, operators and contractors must give first consideration to Nigerian goods, services and personnel, and submit Nigerian content plans to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.