Meet Chizitereihe

A foundation built on excellence

I am a finance and projects lawyer with over 5 years of post qualification experience as a Solicitor and Barrister of the Nigerian Bar. I advise lenders, development finance institutions, sponsors and government stakeholders on cross border projects, acquisitions and structured finance transactions across various sectors in Nigeria and other emerging markets.

I am a commercially aware lawyer who has developed exceptional skills in legal drafting, negotiations, due diligence and project management, with a proven track record of managing complex transactions and providing tailored legal solutions across diverse industries. I also advocate sustainable development to enhance economic growth.

Philosophy & approach

At the core of my practice lies a simple but powerful belief: every client deserves counsel that is both fiercely strategic and deeply personal. I take the time to understand each client's unique circumstances, goals, and concerns before crafting tailored legal strategies.

Whether negotiating a multi million dollar transaction, protecting intellectual property, or guiding a business through regulatory change, I bring the same level of commitment, precision, and care.

Education & career

1. 2025 to Present

   Associate, G. Elias

   Advising on project finance, acquisition finance and structured and development finance. Work includes a $220m financing for the tolling of the Benin Asaba Highway, the $100m development and financing of a 500 TPD greenfield float glass plant in Ondo, a $246m medical facility in Lagos, a $1bn development finance institution financing of a cross border acquisition, and the extension of a $2 billion cross currency interest rate swap and a securities lending transaction with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

2. 2022 to 2025

   Associate, Stren & Blan Partners

   Advised on the financing of an 18 inch by 157km natural gas pipeline across three south eastern states, the Asaba Waterfront City development, and a $10m+ syndicated financing for a tin mining project in Plateau State. Advised on the restructuring of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency and the Anambra State Development Infrastructure Corporation Law 2025, and was part of the team that developed the Anambra State Electricity Law and Energy Policy. Also advised on a Biochar Carbon Removal project company and supported an independent business review of an energy services company.

3. 2021 to 2022

   Associate, BOLS Attorney & Solicitors

   Advised international companies on business structures, regulatory licences and corporate governance standards for entering the Nigerian market. Advised on corporate financing for an indigenous aeronautics company, negotiated facility and SME loan agreements, drafted joint venture agreements, and perfected an indemnity agreement that accelerated an energy company's Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) status.

4. 2020 to 2021

   Nigerian Law School, Bwari Abuja, B.L.

   Graduated in the Top 5% of the Nigerian Law School. Member of the Nigerian Bar Association.

5. 2014 to 2019

   University of Nigeria, Nsukka, LL.B

   Second Class (Upper). Six thousand word dissertation on the effect of the Secured Transaction in Moveable Assets Act (Collateral Registry Act) 2017 on access to finance by MSMEs in Nigeria.

Awards & recognition

• 40 Under 40, ESQ Nigeria Legal Awards (Nominee, 2025)
• Leading Women in IP, 2023 Recognition
• McKinsey Forward Program, McKinsey & Company (2023)
• Member, Nigeria Bar Association, Section on Business Law
• Member, INTA Unreal Campaign Committee (2023 to 2024)
• Founder and Organizer, The Chizi Oti Advocacy Competition

Selected publications

International Bar Association Project Financing and Risk Allocation for Construction Projects in Nigeria: Legal Aspects and Mitigation Strategies → Stren & Blan Partners Technology Transfer and Capacity Building for Renewable Energy Deployment in Nigeria →