An energy professional, an electricity law and policy expert, and an exceptional commercial lawyer with over 10 years of experience.
Chinenye Ajayi is an energy professional, an electricity law and policy expert, and an exceptional commercial lawyer with over 10 years of experience advising government agencies, project developers and financiers in developing and financing various power and infrastructure projects.
She is a sustainable energy enthusiast who is passionate about energy transition and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7. She is involved in education, training, mentorship and economic empowerment to promote affordable energy access and security.
As a United Nations Representative of Ariel Foundation International in 2022, she co-chaired a summit under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the theme, “Energy and Environment: Diverse Perspectives, Challenges and Way Forward” and presented a paper on “Boosting Investment towards Access to Clean Energy” which was featured in an international magazine – Re.engineer Magazine, Winter, 2022. This is in addition to several paper presentations, speaking engagements, and advocacy campaigns undertaken by her on various topical issues within the energy space including energy transition, electricity policy, renewable energy finance and sustainable energy.
Chinenye Ajayi is a serial volunteer who loves giving back from her wealth of experience to society. Amongst other volunteer activities within the energy sector, Chinenye serves as a coordinator of the African Fellowship of Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL), an educational venture designed to invest in the next generation of energy leaders who will deliver sustainable access to energy and ultimately a zero carbon Africa. She is also the Vice President, Projects at the Energy Institute, Young Professionals Network (YPN).
As a sustainability advocate and an entrepreneur within the energy space, she is conversant with the commercial and sustainability considerations of energy and infrastructure projects, she is always excited at every opportunity to bring her experience to bear in providing bespoke legal services to her clients and most importantly bringing to life infrastructure projects that promote energy access and economic development in Africa.
Chinenye Ajayi is a firm lover of God and an ardent optimist who is passionate about human capacity building. She is happily married to Mr. Abidemi Ajayi and they are blessed with 3 lovely children.
Chinenye Ajayi is the first child of six children. She was born and bred in Kano state where she completed her primary and secondary education. Her parents are devoted Christians who contributed largely to her faith in God. Growing up in a family where both parents are into business was adventurous, and she has continued to uphold the principles and values distilled into her.
After about 2 years of delay, she got admitted to study Law at the prestigious University of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria where she graduated top of her class. She then proceeded to the Nigeria Law School, Lagos campus where she passed with a 2nd Class Upper Degree.
Chinenye had an amazing experience in Ugep town in Cross River state, serving her fatherland under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in 2012. She returned to Lagos in 2013 and started her legal practice as a commercial lawyer with some stints as a litigation lawyer. She delved into the Energy space in 2017 where she has been building her capacity and radically making an impact within the sector one stride at a time.
My mission is:
- To help people discover and birth their potential in God whilst exhibiting excellence in their personal and professional lives
- To contribute to the sustainable electrification of Africa to drive growth and economic development.
- To make and multiply wealth to expand God's kingdom on earth and alleviate social and economic hardship for the less privileged.
- Chinenye Ajayi has been recognized as a “Recommended Lawyer” in the Legal 500 EMEA Rankings for 2024. She is recognized for her expertise in Banking and Finance; Real Estate & Construction practice areas.
- Recognized as a leading hero of Renewable Energy by the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
- Heroes Role Model Recognition 2024 by INvolve - The Inclusion People supported by YouTube
- Certificate of Proficiency, Energy Academy, 2019
My ESQ Legal
- Grad. (ICSAN)
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN)
- Legal and Risk Aspects of Derivatives and Central Counter-Party Clearing Transactions
The Nigerian Stock Exchange
- Financing Agreement and Documentation in Project Finance
Commercial Law Development Services Ltd
- Advanced Loan Documentation school
My ESQ Legal
- Solar PV Entrepreneurship Course
Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI)
- Renewable Energy: Understanding the Basics
Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI)
- World Bank certificate for investing in Quality infrastructure for a Green, Inclusive and Resilient Recovery
https://courses.edx.org/certificates/e90f3470a800436280a8a6c0e509b7b4
- Certificate in Business Management
European Business Institute of Luxembourg
- Turnkey EPC Contracts
Redcliffe Training
https://redcliffetraining.com/courses/project-and-renewables-finance/turnkey-epc-contracts
- Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Law, University of Jos
Issued by the University of Jos · Aug 2012
- Best Female Counsel, Juris Consult, Faculty of Law, University of Jos
Issued by Juris Consult, Faculty of Law, University of Jos
- ESQ Energy Academy, 2019
- Kudirat Abiola women initiative empowerment programme
- Executive course, Regulation of the Power sector from the Florence school of Regulation, Italy
- A) Olaniwun Ajayi LP
Lagos State, Nigeria
- Managing Associate (2024 till date)
- Team Lead, Power and Infrastructure Practice (2023-2024)
- Senior Associate (2022-2023)
- Works with the team to provide legal and business advisory services to clients within the electricity sector, particularly in the renewable energy space and infrastructure.
- My expertise extends to policy/regulation, transaction structuring, project finance, drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, and obtaining licenses and permits from Regulators within the power sector in Nigeria and Africa.
- B) Probitas Partners LLP 2019-2021
Associate Partner
- I played a key role in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- I have also acted as transaction counsel to a power project for the supply, operation and maintenance of a 5MW power plant for an Estate in Lekki, Lagos.
- I advised on the design, construction and operation of a hybrid electricity generating system in Ondo State to supply electric power to public utilities and communities in Ondo State. I have also reviewed and advised on a power purchase agreement for the proposed supply of 3MW power to Delta State University Teaching Hospital and 500kWH power to a school in Lekki, Lagos State.
- C) Head of Chambers 2018- 2019
- I acted as transaction counsel to a power company with respect to an independent power project for a state government in Nigeria. I also led the team that structured and advised a renewable energy company in raising funds from the capital market.
- In my supervisory role, I led the team that provided regulatory and compliance services to a plethora of clients and was involved in the restructuring of several companies in Nigeria and abroad.
- D) Senior Associate 2017- 2018
- In this role, I led the team that acted for a client providing utility services to the Lagos State Government in respect of a 50 billion Naira corporate bond in the form of medium-term notes.
- I supervised the team that acted as solicitors to the issue to a company in a public offer by book building; and was part of the team engaged in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal
- Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- Also, I led the team that structured an equipment finance lease for an oil drilling equipment to the tune of over $900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars) between a United States-based company and an indigenous oil company. My team also assisted a multinational company set up board structures in line with international best practices.
- E) Associate lawyer
Jan 2016- Apr 2017
Lagos
- As an Associate Lawyer, I was part of the team that advised a foreign oil and gas firm on a proposed equipment lease contract and was involved in the restructuring of several companies within and outside Nigeria.
- I was involved in the legal documentation of a joint venture between multinational waste management companies and an indigenous waste management company.
- Another achievement in this role includes being part of the legal team that reviewed the proposed harmonised Environmental Bill of Lagos State.
- f) Legal practitioner
Obono and Obono associates
Jan 2012- Dec 2015
Cross River, Nigeria
- My work in this role cuts across litigation, drafting and filing of court processes, representing clients in mediation and arbitration sessions, and real estate transactions.
- I conducted pre-trial proceedings and represented clients at the State High Court in various land disputes. I was part of the legal team representing a local community at the Court of Appeal over a land dispute.
- I also represented a renowned political party at the Federal High Court over an intraparty dispute and a client at the National Industrial Court over a wrongful dismissal by an agency of the Cross River State Government.
- I also reviewed and advised Clients on agreements, including Lease Agreements, Credit Facility Agreements, Deeds of Mortgage, and Deeds of Assignment amongst others. I handled the incorporation of various companies and businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission, restructuring of companies and other compliance matters as well as trademark registrations.
Chinenye Ajayi is an entrepreneur within the energy space who is passionate about the achievement of SDG7 (clean, affordable and reliable energy) and the need to end energy poverty in Africa.
- a) Co-Founder
Solfa Power Limited Sep 2021 - Present
- Solfa Power is focused on solving the unreliable power supply problem for many individuals, homes and businesses with the provision of electricity through clean energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable,
and designed to meet the energy consumption needs of our customers. SPL is headquartered in Nigeria, with a middle to long-term plan to expand across Africa. - The mission of Solfa Power Limited is to champion the energy transition by providing innovative and affordable energy solutions through a motivated team to our customers, whilst maintaining the highest standard of quality, excellent customer service and efficient execution/delivery of our products and services.
- b) Founder
Exxcel Business Law Hub
- A platform established to assist lawyers develop the technical knowledge, skill, and confidence required to become exceptional lawyers.
Chinenye Ajayi is a bold lover of God whose passion for God is enviable. Stirred by Ephesians 2: 10 (AMP), She believes that God has deposited in us potentials, abilities and purpose which he has designed for us to impact our world with. This knowledge and revelation have driven her to explore and stretch beyond her comfort zone to be all that God wants her to be, which gets clearer as she grows in intimacy.
Despite being intelligent and top in her class, she battled low self-esteem. She almost went into depression in the early years of marriage, she was tired of the monotonous routines of eating, tending to children, going to work and everything in between. This drove her into God’s presence desiring for more and her life changed for the better when she understood who she was in Christ and what she could do through Christ.
When she discovered her purpose, it became a mandate to help everyone around her see that they were made for more, inspiring them to be better versions of themselves and impacting their world.
- She observed that a lot of young people are busy but only a few are living a happy and fulfilling life, hence the vision to set up Re-Ignite. The purpose of Re-Ignite is to challenge everyone, young ones in particular to come to a point where their hearts are on fire for God perpetually desiring God, they discover their unique potential and purpose and are pumped with a drive to go into the world and express that potential.
The energy sector is a dynamic and rapidly evolving one that plays a critical role in shaping the economies of nations and the future of our world. Hence, the deep need for a faith-based community within the energy sector that can challenge believers to rise to their full potential in excellence, influence and wealth. Chinenye Ajayi is the visionary of GEPA (Graced Energy professionals for Africa), a faith-based community to raise excellent men and women who partner with God to solve energy problems in Africa while promoting God’s kingdom agenda.
- Ariel Foundation International (AFI) Representative at the United Nations, Geneva
- Participate and make presentations on behalf of AFI at United Nations Events
ii. Co-convener, of the AFI Annual Energy and Environment Summit
iii. Collaborate with other young African leaders to advocate on topical issues that affect Africa.
- SQS Publishing Limited
Writer and Editor, Electricity Digest
I reach out to thought leaders within the power sector for articles. I collate and edit content before publication. As a writer, I contribute articles published in the Electricity Digest.
- Electricity Law Reports
Editor
I compile, review and analyse case laws for publication in the Electricity Law Reports, a compendium of decisions of Courts on Electricity Matters.
- Vice President, Project
Energy Institute Young Professionals Network Nigeria
I work with the team to create a community of young professionals within the Nigerian Energy Sector and provide them with a platform to build capacity, gain experience, network and advance their careers within the sector.
- Program Administrator
Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI)
The AFYEL is an education venture designed to invest in the next generation of energy leaders who will deliver sustainable access to energy and ultimately a zero-carbon Africa. My core role entails planning and coordination of the African Fellowship of Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL). Organise knowledge-sharing events, webinars and advocacy on renewable energy technology/education in Africa
- In 2022, I co-chaired the maiden edition of the Energy and Environment Summit hosted by Ariel Foundation International where I delivered a paper on "Boosting Investment Towards Clean Energy Access in Africa".
Many thanks to Dr. Ariel King and Re-engineer Magazine for featuring the presentation here : https://lnkd.in/dgWQrpDk . The Re-engineer magazine, an international online magazine (founded by Shadrach Stephens) showcases outstanding professionals and focuses on bringing people with different backgrounds, skills, expertise, and perspectives together to brainstorm ideas, overcome obstacles, and utilize creative problem solving for the betterment of society.
You can access the 8 mins video presentation here https://lnkd.in/d3Js7tRR - On the eve of the Dangote Refinery launch, I had the opportunity to grant an interview to BBC News on how the establishment of the largest single-train refinery in the world aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition plan and climate goals.
See the video for excerpts of the interview.
- Chinenye Ajayi, Editor of Electricity Law Reports, gives us a sneak peek on the soon-to-be-launched Electricity Law Reports.
https://lnkd.in/gacawJH
- Chinenye Ajayi was featured in one of the episodes of #MyEnergyLife, an article series that showcases young energy professionals from diverse corners of Africa, highlighting their profound expertise, unwavering passion, and invaluable contributions to shaping a sustainable and prosperous energy future across the African continent.
- Stakeholder engagement is fundamental to the success of any developmental project. This point was emphasized during my presentation on the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan and then opportunities that abound for the development of viable projects, at the Energy Summit held in Cross-River in March 2024
- Should Africa take an active part in the energy transition? Find out in this clip from the Energy Summit in Cross River where I was a speaker.
- At the Innovation Challenge organized by Future Energy Leaders, The Netherlands of the World Energy Council where we developed a solution to improve community engagement at a mini-grid location
A)Some titbits on salient provisions of the Electricity Bill published by the Electricity Hub.
- B) Consultation paper on the review of the Meter Asset Provider Regulation (MAP), 2018 by The Nigerian Electricity Commission following the approval of the National Mass Metering Policy (NMMP) by the Federal Government.
https://lnkd.in/dPQkxSh - c) Affordability of capital to unlock development across Africa’s renewable energy market
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/affordability-capital-unlock-development-across-africas-ajayi-ajbxf/?trackingId=VIIr%2Fd3YQISpZ1%2FEnkYQYg%3D%3D
- D) Highlights of the session on Gas to Power Nexus at the Gas Investment Forum 2023
- E) Energy Security: Hypocrisy or Necessity
- F) Highlights of the AFDB Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI), 2021- The position of Nigeria
- G) Step by Step regulatory requirements for setting up mini-grids in Nigeria
- H) Understanding the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s meter asset provider and National Mass Metering Regulation, 2021
- I) Electricity distribution asset finance: a consumer-led impact investing model
- J) What Makes a Green Bond Green?
- PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: ACCESS TO CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY Oct 7, 2021
https://issuu.com/arielfoundation/docs/afi_changemakers_african_leaders_48th_hrc_report_2
- Overview of Limited Liability Partnerships under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020
- Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS)
- COP 28 Agreement: Impact on African Oil and Gas Producers
Olaniwun Ajayi LP · Jan 16, 2024
- BOOSTING INVESTMENT TOWARDS CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS IN AFRICA
Ariel Foundation International - Summit on Energy and Environment · Nov 26, 2021
https://issuu.com/arielfoundation/docs/afi_changemakers_summit_on_energy_and_environment_
- CONSIDERATIONS FOR VIABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF MINI-GRID PROJECTS
Exxcel JC Partners · Oct 29, 2021
- The Power Consumer Assistance Fund. The Electricity Hub · Oct 8, 2021
https://podcasts.theelectricityhub.com/the-power-consumer-assistance-fund-pcaf-2/
- Discussion on the Implementation Framework of the Power Consumer Assistance Fund
https://issuu.com/arielfoundation/docs/afi_changemakers_african_leaders_48th_hrc_report_2
- The Relevance of Consumer Orientation and Engagement in Power Sector Reforms. Electricity Hub · Oct 2, 2021
- AN OVERVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION’S METER ASSET PROVIDER AND NATIONAL MASS METERING REGULATION, 2021
Business Day Newspaper · Sep 1, 2021
- Bridging the Metering Gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry: The Underlying Issues and the Ways Forward
Electricity Digest · Aug 31, 2021
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TXn4D3krGMKeOVyJHTAc5_Hgz3YA_cAh/view
- The Hassle of Executing Transactions at Corporate Affairs Commission: The Need for an Urgent Digital Reform
https://abs.buzzsprout.com/1972680/13578413-abs-e18-the-electricity-market-in-nigeria-a-legal-perspective- A PODCAST
Career Progression
Lagos State, Nigeria
- Managing Associate (2024 till date)
- Team Lead, Power and Infrastructure Practice (2023-2024)
- Senior Associate (2022-2023)
Works with the team to provide legal and business advisory services to clients within the electricity sector, particularly in the renewable energy space and infrastructure.
My expertise extends to policy/regulation, transaction structuring, project finance, drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements, and obtaining licenses and permits from Regulators within the power sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Associate Partner (2019-2021)
- I played a key role in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- I have also acted as transaction counsel to a power project for the supply, operation and maintenance of a 5MW power plant for an Estate in Lekki, Lagos.
- I advised on the design, construction and operation of a hybrid electricity generating system in Ondo State to supply electric power to public utilities and communities in Ondo State. I have also reviewed and advised on a power purchase agreement for the proposed supply of 3MW power to Delta State University Teaching Hospital and 500kWH power to a school in Lekki, Lagos State.
Head of Chambers (2018- 2019)
- I acted as transaction counsel to a power company with respect to an independent power project for a state government in Nigeria. I also led the team that structured and advised a renewable energy company in raising funds from the capital market.
- In my supervisory role, I led the team that provided regulatory and compliance services to a plethora of clients and was involved in the restructuring of several companies in Nigeria and abroad.
Senior Associate (2017- 2018)
- In this role, I led the team that acted for a client providing utility services to the Lagos State Government in respect of a 50 billion Naira corporate bond in the form of medium-term notes.
- I supervised the team that acted as solicitors to the issue to a company in a public offer by book building; and was part of the team engaged in the dispute resolution between an international gas company and the Federal Government at an international arbitration in the United Kingdom.
- Also, I led the team that structured an equipment finance lease for an oil drilling equipment to the tune of over $900,000 (Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars) between a United States-based company and an indigenous oil company. My team also assisted a multinational company set up board structures in line with international best practices.
Associate lawyer (Jan 2016- Apr 2017)
- As an Associate Lawyer, I was part of the team that advised a foreign oil and gas firm on a proposed equipment lease contract and was involved in the restructuring of several companies within and outside Nigeria.
- I was involved in the legal documentation of a joint venture between multinational waste management companies and an indigenous waste management company.
- Another achievement in this role includes being part of the legal team that reviewed the proposed harmonised Environmental Bill of Lagos State.
- My work in this role cuts across litigation, drafting and filing of court processes, representing clients in mediation and arbitration sessions, and real estate transactions.
- I conducted pre-trial proceedings and represented clients at the State High Court in various land disputes. I was part of the legal team representing a local community at the Court of Appeal over a land dispute.
- I also represented a renowned political party at the Federal High Court over an intraparty dispute and a client at the National Industrial Court over a wrongful dismissal by an agency of the Cross River State Government.
- I also reviewed and advised Clients on agreements, including Lease Agreements, Credit Facility Agreements, Deeds of Mortgage, and Deeds of Assignment amongst others. I handled the incorporation of various companies and businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission, restructuring of companies and other compliance matters as well as trademark registrations.
BUSINESS
Co-Founder, Solfa Power Limited
Solfa Power is focused on solving the unreliable power supply problem for many individuals, homes and businesses with the provision of electricity through clean energy that is sustainable, affordable, reliable,
and designed to meet the energy consumption needs of our customers. SPL is headquartered in Nigeria, with a middle to long-term plan to expand across Africa.
The mission of Solfa Power Limited is to champion the energy transition by providing innovative and affordable energy solutions through a motivated team to our customers, whilst maintaining the highest standard of quality, excellent customer service and efficient execution/delivery of our products and services.
- Solfa Power provides clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
- The company is based in Nigeria with plans to expand across Africa.
- Their mission is to deliver innovative energy solutions with excellent service.
Exxcel Business Law Hub
A platform established to assist lawyers develop the technical knowledge, skill, and confidence required to become exceptional lawyers.
FAITH
Chinenye Ajayi is a bold lover of God whose passion for God is enviable. Stirred by Ephesians 2: 10 (AMP), She believes that God has deposited in us potentials, abilities and purpose which he has designed for us to impact our world with. This knowledge and revelation have driven her to explore and stretch beyond her comfort zone to be all that God wants her to be, which gets clearer as she grows in intimacy.
Despite being intelligent and top in her class, she battled low self-esteem. She almost went into depression in the early years of marriage, she was tired of the monotonous routines of eating, tending to children, going to work and everything in between. This drove her into God’s presence desiring for more and her life changed for the better when she understood who she was in Christ and what she could do through Christ. When she discovered her purpose, it became a mandate to help everyone around her see that they were made for more, inspiring them to be better versions of themselves and impacting their world.
She observed that a lot of young people are busy but only a few are living a happy and fulfilling life, hence the vision to set up Re-Ignite. The purpose of Re-Ignite is to challenge everyone, young ones in particular to come to a point where their hearts are on fire for God perpetually desiring God, they discover their unique potential and purpose and are pumped with a drive to go into the world and express that potential.
- Energy
- Environment and Climate
- Leadership and Self Development
- Commercial Law
