Ifunanya Ikwueto - Kenna Partners | Top law firm in Nigeria

Ifunanya Ikwueto is an Associate with an interdisciplinary qualification in Psychology.

She is the deputy team lead of the Firm’s Intellectual Property Unit and has been actively involved in transactions that border on intellectual property registration, transfers and protection. She has prepared and advised on technology transfer agreements, software licensing agreements and data protection policies.

Ifunanya has a keen interest in corporate commercial matters and has advised on the internal structure of companies and the best financing option for same. She has worked on Public Private Partnership Agreements as well as a Private Real Estate Investment Trust.

She has successfully negotiated cross jurisdictional agreements bordering on the maintenance, operation, engineering, procurement and construction of vessels in the Oil and Gas Sector.

Relevant Experience

Advised a Sovereign Pension Fund-backed Private Equity Firm: Played a pivotal role in establishing a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in Nigeria, strategically positioning the client to capitalize on the country’s dynamic real estate market.
Provided critical counsel to a sovereign entity and its investment partners on establishing and managing a US$35.6 Billion Infrastructure Development Fund, driving key infrastructure projects and fostering economic growth.
Successfully represented an IOC in a high-stakes arbitration involving a $7 million contractual dispute with on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Operation and Maintenance Contract..
Facilitated the resolution of a NGN49 Billion banking dispute between two top countries in Nigeria.
International Trade Law Expertise: Provided expert advice to a foreign multinational on Nigeria Customs Service’s application of Incoterms, demonstrating a deep knowledge of international trade and regulatory compliance.
Energy Sector Advisory: Reviewed and ensured compliance of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a major energy institution, aligning the agreement with strategic objectives and sector regulations.
Defended a NGN 143 Billion Oil Spill Claim: Successfully represented an IOC in defending against a significant ₦143 billion oil spill claim, demonstrating expertise in complex environmental and corporate disputes.
Defended Major Financial Institutions: Provided successful defense for blue-chip financial institutions in high-profile cases involving breach of banker-customer relationships, safeguarding client interests and preserving reputational integrity.
Public-Private Partnership Advisory: Advised on the development of a cutting-edge oncology facility through a Public-Private Partnership, demonstrating experience in healthcare infrastructure.
Intellectual Property Protection for a Leading Bank: Facilitated the protection of a commercial bank’s intellectual property, ensuring legal safeguards for its brand and innovation.

Education

B.L, Nigerian Law School, Nigeria
LL.B, (Honours), University of Essex
B.Sc, Psychology

Bars

Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Memberships

Member, Nigerian Bar Association

Publications

Other Counsel Members

Helen Okori is an Associate at the firm, with a focus on disputes arising from the energy sector, labour and employment as well as dispute resolution.