Foundation Chambers

Established in 1999, Foundation Chambers was founded with a clear vision to serve Nigeria’s transportation and energy industries with top-tier legal expertise​. In the maritime domain, the firm has carved an enviable niche. Its team, though boutique-sized, includes seasoned practitioners and is spearheaded by Chidi Ilogu, SAN – a Senior Advocate of Nigeria widely acknowledged as a “leading specialist maritime and commercial arbitration practitioner” in the country​. Foundation Chambers offers comprehensive admiralty law services. The firm regularly represents shipowners, charterers, and P&I Clubs in litigation before the Federal High Court (which handles admiralty matters in Nigeria). It has successfully handled cases involving ship arrests, enforcement of maritime liens, collisions, and general average claims. One hallmark victory involved the firm securing the release of a wrongfully arrested foreign vessel, where its strategic advocacy set a precedent on wrongful arrest damages. Beyond litigation, Foundation Chambers is adept at maritime arbitration – its lawyers often act as counsel or arbitrators in charterparty and cargo claim disputes under international rules, reflecting the firm’s global outlook. On the transactional side, the firm advises on ship financing and vessel mortgages (critical in Nigeria’s growing cabotage trade and fleet expansion projects) and counsels offshore oil & gas service companies on charter agreements and marine regulatory compliance. Foundation Chambers’ mastery in related fields amplifies its maritime practice: for example, its oil & gas law prowess is valuable when dealing with FPSOs and drilling rig matters, and its aviation experience complements its knowledge of carriage conventions in multi-modal transport disputes. The firm prides itself on high ethical standards and a culture of excellence​.

In addition to client work, Foundation Chambers has contributed to maritime law development through thought leadership – its lawyers frequently speak at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and contribute to policy reform dialogues. With offices in Lagos (Nigeria’s commercial nerve-center and home to Apapa Port) and affiliates in the oil hub of Port Harcourt, the firm stays close to the action​. Client testimonials often highlight the firm’s responsive and hands-on approach, as well as its deep understanding of the maritime industry’s commercial realities in Nigeria. Having “made significant strides in contributing to the growth and development” of Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors​, Foundation Chambers stands out as a top-tier admiralty law firm in West Africa, trusted for its specialization and proven track record.