Finalists: Allen & Overy (highly commended); Anjarwalla & Khanna; Baker McKenzie; MMC Africa Law; Webber Wentzel.

Aluko & Oyebode's advisory work on the development of a 100-megawatt, grid-connected solar plant in Nigeria helped it win the Environmental and Renewables Team of the Year prize.

The firm advised its client – Anjeed Kafanchan Solar – on the acquisition of a majority stake in the project, as well as the financing aspect of the deal. The project called for the firm to negotiate and review documents between the developer and regulators in Nigeria's power sector, and it was the first to secure a licence from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

It also signed a power purchase agreement with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company, along with other contracts such as a grid connection agreement and a cooperation agreement with the Kaduna state government to grant 262 hectares of land for the solar plant. Much of the documentation drawn up for the project was precedent-setting and will likely serve as a template for other utility projects in the country. The firm also negotiated the share purchase agreement, project development agreement and loan docs for a $2m development security required under the deal with the NBET.

"The firm's involvement in this project has opened the way for future green projects across the continent," remarked a judge.

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