Meet

Atiku Jafar

Atiku Jafar has a mastery of the legal and commercial aspects of today’s energy market. He leads the firm’s Energy & Natural Resources practice where he leverages in-depth knowledge of the assets, regulations and local markets in the energy industry to help investors, operators and stakeholders achieve efficient and innovative solutions to their legal, regulatory and operational challenges.

As a legal professional, Atiku brings a comprehensive background in corporate and commercial law, specializing particularly in energy law practice, business advisory, and corporate governance. Currently holding the positions of Company Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer at Transaxis Energy Limited, he leverages his in-depth knowledge of energy industry assets, regulations, and local markets. This expertise informs corporate and investment decision-making, allowing Atiku to provide efficient and innovative solutions to legal, regulatory, and operational challenges within the industry.

Notably, Atiku served as the transaction solicitor for the Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Contract to Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited for the Kano-Maradi rail line. In this role, he managed licensing, contract negotiation and drafting, and regulatory compliance throughout the project's lifecycle. Beyond his legal capabilities, Atiku is recognized for his role as a trusted business advisor to a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to established corporations. His advisory role extends beyond legal consultation, encompassing strategic counsel aimed at fostering organizational growth and mitigating legal risks. Atiku takes pride in collaborating with entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to identify opportunities, optimize operations, and chart a course for sustained success. His multidisciplinary approach, combining legal acumen with strategic insight, provides clients with a competitive advantage in today's dynamic business landscape.

EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
MEMBERSHIPS
INTERVIEWS & SPEECHES
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  • Bachelor of Laws from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2019)
  • Barrister-at-Law from the Nigerian Law School (2021)
  • Legal Ethics Short Course Certificate from Fordham University Law School, New York (2019)
  • Comparative African Legal Ethics Certification from Fordham University New York in collaboration with White & Case LLP, Ines-Ruhengeri Law School Rwanda and Ghana Institute of Management & Public Administration (2020)
  • Introduction to ADR Course, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK (2020)

He cut his teeth at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, and was Head Energy Practice at Transadvisory Legal, Energy Sector Manager at the Africa Intellectual Property Accelerator. With a dedication to excellence and a commitment to guiding businesses through legal intricacies, Atiku’s journey in the legal field has been significantly influenced by his specialization in energy law. He understands the nuances of this dynamic industry and brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, enabling clients to navigate the intricate web of regulations, contractual obligations, and compliance requirements inherent to the sector. Whether it's advising on energy projects, regulatory compliance, or energy procurement agreements, Atiku is well-equipped to provide tailored legal solutions to meet the unique needs of energy-focused businesses. Jafar has a mastery of the various energy industry contractual regimes, ranging from fuel intake, power offtake, Engineering Procurement & Construction, Power Plant Operations & Maintenance, and other transactions, which makes him fit to assist clients with developing and financing bankable projects across different fuel sources throughout the industry value chain (generation, transmission/transportation, distribution, trading, etc.). His broad outlook of the sector equips him to grasp and handle legal aspects of a project through its entire lifecycle.

  • Member, Nigerian Bar Association
  • Member, Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law
  • Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK
  • Member, Lawyers in Energy Network Student Member, International Bar Association
  • Founding Member, Youth Energy Summit
  • Young ICCA Member, International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA)
  • YIAG Member, London Court of International Arbitration
  • Member, Australian Dispute Resolution Research Network

Representative Experience

Advised on the Engineering, procurement and Construction of Diesel and Gasoline Facilities as well Fuel Supply Contracts relating to the construction of the $2 billion Kano - Maradi standard guage rail by Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited.

Advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) on the development, deployment and issuance of the Nigeria National Domestic Card Scheme "AFRIGO", the first domestic card scheme in Nigeria.

Advised on disputes relating to the 570 million dollars privatization of the Ihobvor open-cycle gas turbine power plant with 507 megawatts capacity and the 415 million dollars privatization of the Egbema NIPP power plant with 338 megawatts capacity.

Was part of the legal team that represented the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in recovery services involving loan facilities granted to individuals and organisations by the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc.