BLOOMFIELD LP ADMITS A NEW PARTNER
We are pleased to announce that Michael Abiiba has been admitted to the Bloomfield LP Partnership, effective January 1, 2025.
Prior to his admission to Partnership, Michael rose through the ranks as an exceptional, dependable, dedicated, and hardworking Associate at Bloomfield LP (the “Firm”).
He is renowned for his innate intelligence in providing timely, effective, and cost-efficient solutions to Clients. Over the years, he has represented a diverse spectrum of clients - from domestic and international multi-million-dollar businesses to government departments and non-governmental organizations - appearing in numerous landmark proceedings before superior courts, as well as domestic and international dispute resolution tribunals (arbitration and mediation).
In 2019, Michael’s remarkable expertise earned him recognition from the World Bank Group for his immense contributions to its international publication on global ease of doing business and best practices. He has been consistently ranked and recognized by The Legal 500: Europe, Middle East & Africa (2021 to 2024 rankings) as a Key Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution Practice for Nigeria; and confirming client’s commentaries on Michael as follows:
“Michael Abiiba is very experienced in handling leases and asset acquisitions and also advises on foreign investments.”
“Michael Abiiba has a solid track record in appearing in local and international maritime arbitration proceedings.”
“Michael Abiiba regularly appears in cases before domestic and international tribunals.”
In its recent reviews for 2024, IFLR1000 commends Michael for being known for “Patience and professionalism”.
As a core member of the Firm’s Dispute Resolution, Shipping & Oil Services, Real Estate & Construction practice groups, Michael’s indelible marks are seen across multifaceted subjects in which the Firm has successfully represented/advised (with other ongoing) Clients including the following:
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Successfully represented ND Western Limited against a shipping company in the recovery of all outstanding multi-million claim due under a Crude Evacuation Agreement.
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Acted as Nigerian counsel to Sea Trucks Group Limited and its subsidiary companies (“STG”) in connection with the amicable settlement of protracted litigations valued at over a Billion United States Dollars across superior courts in Nigeria as well as several London arbitrations and criminal proceedings in Singapore. This was the largest Nigerian shipping and oil services dispute to date. The successful resolution of these disputes was important to key sector stakeholders in the Nigerian economy due to the impact/role the STG played in promoting local content and capacity development in Nigeria.
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Advised and represented Schiste Oil and Gas Limited in a successful cross-border multi-million United States Dollar recovery of unpaid charter hire. This involved procuring US Rule B attachment orders from a court in Houston, Texas.
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Advising and assisting Ejovi Dredging and Marine Services Limited on multiple charterparties, vessel leasing and recovery mandates across Nigeria, including a high-value dual currency recovery involving an integrated energy services and solutions provider operating across the entire upstream oil & gas and power value chain in Nigeria.
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Advising and representing Vigeo Shipping Limited in a landmark arbitration against a multinational oil company for the loss of hire and demobilization fees on a vessel chartered but not mobilized by the Charterer.
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Successfully defended the Chinese Owners of an arrested vessel (and procured the release of the vessel) on the instructions of China P&I Club in relation to an earlier collision incident outside Nigeria.
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Successfully defended Wrist Ship Supply in a wrongful arrest suit (at the Federal High Court of Nigeria and the Court of Appeal of Nigeria) commenced by a shipowner. This matter is the Nigerian locus classicus for wrongful arrest and caveat against arrest of a vessel.
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Provided legal representation to the Owners of a vessel, on the instructions of The American Club (member of the IGP), in relation to a collision claim before the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
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Advised and represented a renowned Nigerian medical practitioner in a successful unpaid employment benefit claim against a top health service provider in Nigeria.
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Advising Lekki Retailtainment Limited on all legal aspects of the structuring, financing, construction, and development of a multi-million United States Dollar mall and co-living residents (a 10,000 square metre retail development), the Lekki Mall in the Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria.
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Advised BK Green Real Estate Company Limited with respect to its acquisition of a prime property situated in the highly coveted area of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Advised a private landowner on a joint development arrangement with a leading property developer for the development of luxury terraces on a land situated in the highbrow area of Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Advised Transport Services Limited in connection with its acquisition of a property measuring approximately 3.058 hectares in the Aka Industrial Area of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
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Advising Purple Real Estate Income Plc. in relation to the construction of a modern residential apartment blocks in Maryland, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Advised PE Bitumen in connection with its purchase of a multi-million United States Dollar oil products depot terminal along Creek Road in the Apapa region of Lagos, Nigeria.
In addition to his core competence as a legal practitioner, in 2021, Michael undertook formal training with a Nigerian law enforcement agency, placing him in a strong strategic advisory support position to Clients regarding matters involving law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Furthermore, his scholarly contributions and insightful commentaries on contemporary legal issues, including real estate/construction law, dispute resolution, shipping, among others, highlight his deep understanding and passion for the legal profession.
He is also a Notary Public for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Michael embodies the values of professionalism, innovation, and leadership that Bloomfield stands for. His promotion is a testament to his dedication and outstanding contributions to the Firm and the legal community.
Please join us in celebrating Michael Abiiba on this well-deserved achievement! We are confident that his leadership, alongside our other highly regarded Partners, will continue to elevate Bloomfield LP to greater heights.
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