Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited (RMB Nigeria) has emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 2025 West Africa DealMakers Awards, securing multiple prestigious honours that reinforce its leadership in investment banking and financial advisory across the region.
At the awards gala held on March 20, 2026, the bank clinched the highly coveted Private Equity Deal of the Year (West Africa) for its advisory role in the landmark exit of Helios Investment Partners and Sojitz Corporation from Axxela.
Landmark Deal Drives Recognition
RMB Nigeria served as exclusive financial adviser on the transaction, which saw Helios divest its 75% stake in Axxela to Bluecore Gas Infraco, while also facilitating Sojitz’s exit through a tag-along arrangement.
The deal is regarded as one of the most significant private equity exits in Nigeria’s midstream energy sector in recent years and marks the second consecutive year RMB Nigeria has won in this category.
Bimbo Oyeyiga Named Dealmaker of the Year
In a major individual recognition, Bimbo Oyeyiga, Head of Corporate Finance at RMB Nigeria, was named Individual Dealmaker of the Year (West Africa).
Oyeyiga was honoured for his role in executing several high-impact transactions in 2025, spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and private equity deals.
His deal sheet includes advisory roles in:
- The Axxela exit transaction
- The ₦236 billion rights issue by Presco Plc
- The exit of Africa Capital Alliance from Filmhouse Cinemas
- The ₦146 billion rights issue by Stanbic IBTC Holdings
- Strategic investments involving Odu’a Investment Company and Iwosan Investments
Strong Showing in Debt Advisory
Further cementing its market position, RMB Nigeria ranked:
- 2nd Financial Adviser by Transaction Value (Debt)
- 3rd Financial Adviser by Transaction Flow (Debt)
The bank was also nominated for Deal of the Year for its role in the Presco Plc rights issue.
Leadership Reacts
CEO of RMB Nigeria, Bayo Ajayi, said the awards reflect the bank’s ability to deliver high-impact advisory services.
“These recognitions reaffirm our leadership in structuring innovative transactions across private equity, M&A, and capital markets,” he said.
Also speaking, Head of Investment Banking, Chidi Iwuchukwu, highlighted the strength of the bank’s client relationships and internal expertise, while Oyeyiga described his award as a reflection of the trust clients place in the firm.
Reinforcing Market Leadership
The DealMakers West Africa Awards celebrate excellence among institutions and professionals behind the region’s most significant financial transactions.
RMB Nigeria’s multiple wins underscore its growing influence in shaping high-value deals and driving investment activity across Nigeria and the wider West African market.
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