A trusted legal adviser to both domestic and international businesses, Adeleke Alao joins pan-African legal and advisory group CLG as Director of its Nigeria office. Bringing a wealth of energy industry experience, Alao’s leadership will be pivotal as Nigeria continues to see an expansion of upstream exploration, LNG, refining and renewable energy projects.
Alao’s career spans over 10 years, with a focus on energy law and project financing. Prior to joining CLG, Alao was a Partner in the Energy and Project Finance Group at Dentons Nigeria, where he provided strategic legal advice to clients across all stages of their business, from formation to exit. His expertise encompasses a broad range of services including regulatory compliance, due diligence, contract negotiations and management of legal risks.
Throughout his career, Alao has played an instrumental role in several landmark transactions within Nigeria’s oil, gas, power and mining sectors. His experience includes advising on policy development, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, project finance and navigating licensing and permitting processes. In addition, Alao has delivered strategic counsel on tax law, labor issues and contract drafting. His deep knowledge of financing options and equity investments makes him a key player in complex energy transactions.
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector – one of Africa’s largest – is undergoing shifts with an increasing focus on optimizing production, developing new exploration opportunities and promoting clean energy initiatives. As the government introduces reforms such as the Petroleum Industry Act and a recent wave of executive orders, companies face a complex regulatory environment that demands expert legal navigation. Legal advisory services are critical for ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, securing investment and mitigating risks in high-stakes transactions. As Nigeria works toward enhancing transparency and efficiency in the sector, CLG provides top-tier legal support that helps businesses navigate the intricacies of the Nigerian energy landscape, ensuring both local and international clients meet their operational and financial goals within the country’s regulatory framework.
Widely respected in the legal field, Alao has been recognized by prestigious publications, including being named a Rising Star by IFLR 1000. Alongside his professional work, he is committed to mentoring young lawyers, offering guidance to the next generation of legal professionals in Nigeria. Alao holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Babcock University and graduated with First Class Honors from the Nigerian Law School.
With Nigeria at the center of new oil and gas developments, as well as a focus on energy diversification, companies need expert legal guidance more than ever. CLG remains committed to delivering tailored, high-quality legal services across Africa’s markets.
