Head, Energy Law Department
LL.B (Hons.), B.L., Energy Law Specialist

Biography

Mr. Nathaniel Daniel Essien is a seasoned legal practitioner and the Head of the Energy Law Department at Erugo’s Attorneys and Consultants, where he leads the firm’s advisory and regulatory practice in the energy and extractive industries. With a background in commercial and energy law, Mr. Essien offers comprehensive expertise across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and was called to the Nigerian Bar following completion of his training at the Nigerian Law School. Over the years, Mr. Essien has built a strong portfolio advising multinational oil companies, indigenous exploration firms, energy startups, and regulatory agencies on complex transactional, compliance, and dispute resolution matters.

His legal experience spans production sharing contracts (PSCs), joint venture agreements (JVAs), local content compliance, environmental liability, regulatory licensing, and oilfield service negotiations. He is particularly skilled in navigating the legal implications of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and aligning corporate strategies with evolving energy laws, ESG obligations, and international investment frameworks.

Mr. Essien also contributes to legal reform and policy development within the sector. His deep understanding of Nigeria’s energy landscape, coupled with a strong commercial instinct, makes him an indispensable asset to clients operating in highly regulated and high-stakes environments.

Areas of Expertise
  • Oil and Gas Law & Regulation
  • Energy Contracts & Joint Ventures
  • Local Content Advisory
  • Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Compliance
  • Licensing, Permitting & Due Diligence
  • Environmental & ESG Risk Advisory
  • Energy Sector Dispute Resolution
Professional Roles & Affiliations
  • Nigerian Bar Association – Section on Business Law (SBL)
  • Energy Lawyers Network of Nigeria
  • African Petroleum Legal Advisors Forum
  • Society of Energy Lawyers (SEL)

Quote:

In the volatile terrain of energy law, clarity, compliance, and strategic foresight are everything. I help clients anticipate risks, unlock value, and move forward with confidence.