By Victoria Tokolo
Prominent political figures, business leaders, legal practitioners and key institutions are set to feature at the 13th edition of the Nigerian Legal Awards, scheduled to hold on November 15, 2026, in Lagos.
The annual awards, organised by ESQ Trainings Limited, publishers of ESQ Legal Practice Magazine, will recognise individuals, law firms and institutions for their contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession, major commercial transactions and economic development.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Among the notable personalities listed for recognition are Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Foreign Affairs, H. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN; Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Adewale Tinubu; and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are also among the institutions to be recognised at the event.
A major feature of this year’s edition is the recognition of significant financial and commercial transactions executed between August 2024 and September 2026, reflecting the role of legal expertise in facilitating major investments and business deals.
Among the transactions listed are the $1.35 billion financing facility secured by Dangote Industries Limited for its refinery project, the $496 million acquisition of a 20.07 per cent stake in Seplat Energy by Heirs Group, and MA’AM Energy’s $750 million acquisition of a controlling interest in Geregu Power.
Other notable transactions include Transgrid Enerco Limited’s acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Eko Electricity Distribution Company, UAC of Nigeria’s acquisition of CHI Limited, and Helios Investment Partners’ acquisition of Frigoglass’ Nigerian glass packaging business.
The awards will also recognise legal professionals and law firms across several practice areas, including energy, banking and finance, mergers and acquisitions, infrastructure, capital markets, dispute resolution and corporate governance.
Participating law firms include Aluko & Oyebode, G. Elias & Co, Metropolitan Law Firm, Bloomfield Law Practice, Streamsowers & Köhn, Jackson, Etti & Edu, and Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe.
According to the organisers, the selection of award recipients will be guided by an independent judging process involving experienced legal practitioners and industry professionals.
The judging panel comprises Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN; Kamal Shah; Harold Brako; Ola Belgore; Scott Cowan; Hakeem Oguniran; Kofo Alada-Salam; Foluke Akinmoladun; and Matthew Wood.
Founder of ESQ Trainings Limited and convener of the awards, Lere Fashola, said the initiative was established to showcase the contributions of legal practitioners to business growth, investment promotion and national development.
He noted that technology had been integrated into the nomination, evaluation and verification processes to improve efficiency, while the final decisions would remain with the independent panel of judges.
The Nigerian Legal Awards has become an annual platform for celebrating excellence in legal practice and recognising the contributions of lawyers and law firms to Nigeria’s business environment and economic growth.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract legal practitioners, business executives, public officials and other stakeholders from across the country’s legal and corporate sectors.
For further information and table reservations, interested participants can visit www.nigerianlegalawards.com.
