Profile
Sola heads the firm’s Project Development & Finance, Power and Public Sector practices. He has more than 20 years’ experience including advising several leading Nigerian, international and multinational clients on several aspects of doing business in Nigeria. Sola is known, not just for his intricate knowledge of substantive and procedural law, but also for his understanding of clients’ businesses and the critical parameters for their success.
“The excellent Sola Arifayan,” as he is described by Who’s Who Legal, is recognised for providing advice and support on major infrastructure and financing projects in Nigeria and West Africa and is a leading authority on Nigerian electricity law.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association
- Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (qualified as a Chartered Accountant, 2004)
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria
- Honorary Fellow, Association of Fellows and Legal Scholars, Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria
Employment
- Partner, OAKE Legal, 2018 – date
- Partner, Ikeyi & Arifayan, 2007 – 2018
- Senior Associate, Banwo & Ighodalo, 2005 – 2007
- Consultant, KPMG, 2000 - 2005
EDUCATION
- Nigerian Law School, Legal Professional Certification (BL)
- University of Lagos, Nigeria, Bachelor of Laws
Experience
- Nigeria’s foremost power company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) on several aspects of its operations, including sale of more than 3,000 MW of power generation capacity and fuel intake arrangements to 6 power plants
- the sponsor/developer of a 495 MW independent power project and associated sub-station and transmission facilities, on all aspects of the project development and finance
- the joint working team of the government of Nigeria and the World Bank Group on legal matters related to the Power Sector Recovery Plan
- Lagos State Government on a Unified Telecommunications Duct Infrastructure project and implementation of a Dig-Once policy for the state
- the financing arm of Europe’s largest industrial conglomerate on its participation in the financing of a 500 MW IPP in Delta State of Nigeria
- a strategic investor on its US$120 million bid to acquire a core investor interest in an electricity distribution company in Nigeria
- a strategic investor on its acquisition of a core investor interest in Jos Electricity Distribution Limited
- the Nigerian subsidiary of a Fortune 100 multinational conglomerate on legal issues relating to proposed concessions in the rail transportation and healthcare industries
- the government of Nigeria, through NDPHC and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, on transaction structuring and implementation support for the privatisation of the 10 power plants of the National Integrated Power Projects
- a private equity backed power portfolio company on the development and acquisition of more than 60 MW generation capacity and 150 kilometres of independent distribution networks
- the Nigerian subsidiary of the leading global cement company, on licensing and sale of power from its 90 MW dual-fuel independent power plant
- Lagos State Government, on its contractual dispute with the federal government in relation to the power purchase agreement for the 270 MW AES Barge power project
- a Chinese state-owned enterprise and its local partners on contractual and other matters related to the 700 MW Zungeru Power Project
Areas of Focus
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Power
- Project Development & Finance
- Public Sector
- Technology, Media & Telecoms
Activities
- In 2007, appointed member of the industry stakeholders’ group set up by NERC to consider and review the model Power Purchase Agreement and Vesting Contract for the sale and purchase of power in the NESI
- In 2006, appointed by the Federal Minister of Power & Steel as the only private sector member of the Technical Committee for implementation of reforms in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) – the Committee was set up by the Minister to coordinate the activities for the pre-transitional stage of the competitive market in the NESI
Recognitions
- Who’s Who Legal, Recommended Lawyer, Project Finance, M&A and Governance, 2019
- IFLR 1000, Highly Regarded Lawyer (2020)
outstanding cases of lawyers
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$ 19 Million John Doe v. Jane Doe Corporation
$ 10 Million Gil Chavez v. D.R. Horton San Diego
Catastrophic ear injury (sentence $2,500,000)
Clients Say about lawyers
"Great experience overall having Matt Cadwell as my attorney. Matt understands his client, very insightful and is an expert in his field. Truly a professional and marvelous individual."
Nick Alvarez, Risk Manager at Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.
" These guys rock. The Goosmann Law Firm team is a good return on your legal investment. The Firm has been a valuable source for strategic legal advice for both me and my business. I feel confident and assured as a CEO and business owner knowing that the Goosmann team is on my side. Jeana is an entrepreneur, trial attorney, and savvy risk-taker. When I have a question. "
Josh Nelson, CEO of Great Lakes Communication Corp
" Jeana is an outstanding “connector” of people and opportunities. She introduced us to a business opportunity that has turned into a highly strategic component of our overall business. Her high energy, creativity, and strategic focus has benefited our business immensely and we have been blessed to work with her! "
Neal Greenberg, Partner & Director of CFO Systems
“ I consider Goosmann Law Firm more than a law firm. They are a trusted partner in my businesses. Jeana and her team have a unique ability to look at issues through the eyes of a CEO to deliver the best possible outcome. Jeana’s laser-like focus on our goals and objectives has helped fuel our continued growth. I wouldn’t want anyone else on my team. ”
Alex Imming, Real Estate Agent