News - Nigeria

1. Guidance Living in Nigeria

   Nigeria 4/23/2024 8:34:14 AM

   Information for British citizens moving to or living in Nigeria, including guidance on residency, healthcare and passports.

2. UK signs landmark economic partnership with Nigeria

   Nigeria 2/13/2024 8:56:16 AM

   Business and Trade Secretary visits Nigeria to sign a landmark UK-Nigeria economic partnership.

3. Foreign travel advice Nigeria

   Nigeria 10/9/2023 1:20:04 PM

   The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

4. Report on Nigerian Man's Case Against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com

   Nigeria 7/27/2023 8:14:20 AM

   The Firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP Are Representing a Nigerian, Mr Chianugo Peter in his suit for 150 million dollars compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com over the shutdown of his YouTube Audio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing works on the name.

5. Effect of Central Bank of Nigeria’s Circular Against Dollarization of the Nigerian Economy

   Nigeria 10/3/2022 12:31:08 PM

   The free fall of the naira against the United States Dollars (“dollar”) and other foreign currencies is giving many businesses in Nigeria sleepless nights. Most international businesses obtain their products abroad in dollars for sale in the Nigerian market for a profit.

6. Overseas Business Risk: Nigeria

   Nigeria 3/7/2022 11:56:35 AM

   Details This report looks at the intellectual property, organized crime, human rights, bribery and corruption and terrorism risks that UK businesses may face when operating in Nigeria.

7. New Legal Regime on Stamp Duty Charges in Nigeria under the Finance Act, 2019

   Nigeria 11/29/2021 4:51:01 PM

   The Finance Act, 2019 amended some provisions of the Companies Income Tax Act, Petroleum Profit Tax Act, Personal Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, Customs and Excise Tariff etc. (Consolidation Act), Capital Gains Tax Act and Stamp Duty Act.

8. Procedure for Obtaining Mobile Money Operator License in Nigeria

   Nigeria 11/24/2021 3:18:51 PM

   On 3rd August 2021, the recent Central Bank of Nigeria (“CBN”) released the Guidelines for the Establishment and Regulation of Payments Service Holding Companies (“PSHC”) in Nigeria. The Guidelines requires companies that intend to offer both switching and processing and mobile money services to set up a PSHC structure.

9. Registration of Title to Land at Abuja Geographic Information System, Nigeria

   Nigeria 10/15/2021 8:19:11 AM

   The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria’s capital is gradually becoming a renowned city in Africa. In recent times, there has been an influx of people into the city and its real estate development and construction sectors are developing at a tremendous pace.

10. An Appraisal of Challenges in Recovery of Foreign Judgment Debts in Nigeria

    Nigeria 6/2/2021 11:30:57 AM

    Enforcement of foreign judgments has significant relevance in this era of increased international trade and foreign investments.

11. Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights in Nigeria: Navigating Towards Arbitration and Specialised Courts

    Nigeria 5/26/2021 8:17:33 AM

    Introduction Enforcement of Intellectual Property (“IP”) in Nigeria is saddled with loop holes, bureaucratic bottlenecks, lack of technical knowledge, skills and lack of public awareness.

12. Is Customary Arbitration the Solution to Congestion of Cases in Nigerian Courts?

    Nigeria 5/18/2021 3:41:41 PM

    It is no longer news that determination of disputes especially commercial disputes before Nigerian courts is not time efficient.

13. Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Litigation and Dispute Resolution in Nigeria in 2021

    Nigeria 3/30/2021 2:31:47 PM

    What areas of law have you been predominantly working on over the past 12 months?

14. Why Should the Provisions of the New Company Law Usurp the Constitutional Rights of Nigerians?

    Nigeria 9/11/2020 11:10:51 AM

    The Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2019 (“the new CAMA”) recently signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a welcome development to Nigerian businesses.

15. Benefits upon Discharge On Grounds of Redundancy in Nigeria

    Nigeria 8/24/2020 10:37:25 AM

    Like in other Countries, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the survival of many businesses across all the sectors in Nigeria. In other to grapple with the rough tides and remain in business, owners of businesses have deliberately cut down the cost of running their business by reducing overhead costs, declaring some post redundant and reducing their workers by discharging them on grounds of redundancy.

16. Improvements in Corporate Governance in Nigeria

    Nigeria 8/17/2020 12:42:40 PM

    On 7th August 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria signed the amended Companies and Allied Matters Act into law (“the amended CAMA”)

17. Is the AGF’s Discretion to Promulgate an Order to Bring Part 1 of the Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Enforcement Act, 1990 into operation, absolute?

    Nigeria 8/3/2020 7:51:45 AM

    Upon Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule, the legislature passed a Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Enforcement Act (“the Act”) with a commencement date of 1st February 1961 (“the commencement date”).

18. Now That I Have an Arbitral Award Against A Nigerian Company; What Do I Do?

    Nigeria 7/27/2020 1:02:39 PM

    The essence of parties referring their dispute to arbitration is for the arbitral tribunal to make a valid and reasoned award which is capable of being enforced in a jurisdiction where the unsuccessful party has assets to satisfy the arbitral award.

19. Common Questions On Registration And Enforcement Of Foreign Judgments In Nigeria

    Nigeria 7/20/2020 2:20:36 PM

    What legislations regulate registration and enforcement of foreign judgments in Nigeria?

20. Legal Procedure for Convening Valid Company Meetings in Nigeria in the Midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic

    Nigeria 5/26/2020 1:51:58 PM

    The physical distancing and stay at home order of the Federal Government of Nigeria arising from the Covid-19 pandemic has restricted movements in major cities in Nigeria.

21. To What Extent Is Covid-19 Epidemic A Force Majeure Event Under Nigerian Law?

    Nigeria 4/20/2020 8:31:07 AM

    Introduction Upon the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a world health emergency in January 2020. The virus later spread to over 150 countries.

22. What is Preventing Arbitration from Being the Main Means of Resolving Commercial Disputes in Nigeria?

    Nigeria 4/3/2020 12:13:25 PM

23. An Appraisal of Challenges of Enforcing Foreign Judgments in Nigeria

    Nigeria 3/18/2020 9:09:58 AM

    Enforcement of foreign judgments has significant relevance in this era of increased international trade and foreign investment.

24. Proving Oral Contracts under Nigerian Law

    Nigeria 3/3/2020 8:36:30 AM

    Introduction An oral contract is an express or implied agreement which creates legal rights and obligations outlined or agreed to in spoken words.

25. Why Construction Liens Should Be Adopted In Nigerian Legal System? A Clarion call for Urgent Reform

    Nigeria 2/17/2020 1:04:23 PM

    Construction liens are legal claims for money expended or unpaid compensation filed by a contractor or other professional on a building or design. This is done by filing a public notice on a property stating that the owner of the property owes the contractor a stated sum of money. It can also be filed by a subcontractor or materials supplier for any work done on a building.

26. What Are the Advantages of Winding Up A Nigerian Company Which Is No Longer Carrying on Business?

    Nigeria 2/11/2020 1:32:32 PM

    There are various reasons for which a company may no longer be able to carry on business. This may be due to business, financial, economic or social factors.

27. International Commercial Arbitration: An Effective Tool for Resolving Commercial Disputes in Nigeria

    Nigeria 2/4/2020 11:01:28 AM

    International trade and the global economy have made international commercial contracts and transactions to be on the rise. Commercial contracts these days cut across more than one State. They may be between two States or a State and a private person or between two private persons.

28. Importance of Making a Will in Nigeria

    Nigeria 1/27/2020 1:55:09 PM

    Most people associate the making of a Will with the anticipation of death. This notion has been further perpetrated by Nigerian Nollywood movies where a man lying on his sick bed, calls for his lawyer, makes a Will and dies afterwards. This is not only fallacious but derogates from the true intent of a Will.

29. What Determines a Liquidated Money Demand under Nigeria’s Undefended List Procedure?

    Nigeria 1/20/2020 12:08:03 PM

    In the Supreme Court case of Joseph Uzor & Anor and Daewoo Nig. Limited & Anor (SC. 251/2008) delivered on 25th January 2019, the central issue was whether the Court of Appeal was right in finding that the trial Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the grounds that the writ of summons sought for reliefs other than liquidated money demand alone.

30. Why Register Your Trademark in Nigeria?

    Nigeria 1/13/2020 3:11:50 PM

    Trademark is any word, phrase, logo or symbol used to distinguish goods and services offered by one undertaking from those offered by another. It is an intangible asset and can be regarded as a commercial signature.

31. Operating Licences in the Nigerian Power Sector

    Nigeria 1/7/2020 12:07:37 PM

    With the advent of the Renewable Energy in the 21st century and the privatisation of the Nigerian Power Sector, there have been new policies, reforms in the Sector. The Sector has witnessed a steady growth in the past decade and an increased rate in investment.

32. Privity of Contract and Right to Sue Where There Is No Signed Contract under Nigerian law

    Nigeria 12/2/2019 1:52:21 PM

    Generally, the doctrine of privity of contract stipulates that it is only parties to a contract that have right to sue and be sued to enforce the rights and obligations arising from the contract. This means a third party to a contract cannot sustain any claim arising from a contract.

33. Still on Registration of Foreign Judgments in Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/14/2019 9:08:38 AM

    In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/203/2019; Emmanuel Ekpenyong Esq. v. Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation,

34. Nigeria Case Law

    Nigeria 6/18/2019 5:50:57 PM

    Federal High Court Holds That the Attorney-General of Federation of Nigeria Has a Discretionary Duty under Section 3 (1) of the Foreign Judgment Reciprocal Act, 1990 to Promulgate an Order to Bring the Act into Operation

35. Holding a Board of Directors Meeting in Nigeria

    Nigeria 4/12/2019 2:23:39 PM

    How many members may call for a Board meeting (“the meeting”)?

36. An Analysis of the Challenges and Prospects in Real Estate Development in Nigeria

    Nigeria 3/15/2019 12:22:32 PM

    As a developing country, Nigeria's real estate sector ("the sector") is evolving at a tremendous pace. Governments at all levels are more aware of the role of real estate development in the growth of their respective territories. Nigeria's budding sectors such as telecommunications, agriculture, power, tourism have provided a veritable platform for the sector to thrive. Private-Public Partnership on real estate development is on the increase.

37. Types of Technology Transfer Agreement Registerable in Nigeria

    Nigeria 3/4/2019 12:14:39 PM

    The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) is the technology transfer office in Nigeria with a mandate to regulate the acquisition of foreign technology.

38. Damages for Unlawful Termination of Employment in Nigeria

    Nigeria 2/13/2019 7:45:52 AM

    All employment has its terms. The terms may be written in a single contract, several documents, custom and usage or inferred from the conduct of the employee and his employer. The terms of employment usually stipulates the procedure, notice and termination package in which the employer would pay to the employee upon termination of the employee’s employment.

39. Trademark Registration Process in Nigeria

    Nigeria 11/19/2018 3:34:15 PM

    1. Trademark Search Trademark search is conducted with the name of the trademark and its logo. The search report shall disclose marks which are close to the proposed mark and its class. This will make the trademark agent ascertain whether the mark will be accepted for publication or not. Trademark search takes a period of 24-72 hours (1-3 business days).

40. Who can authorize a Company to Institute Legal Proceedings under Nigeria Law?

    Nigeria 9/27/2018 8:17:02 AM

    Section 299 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (“the CAMA”) provides that;

41. Legal Test for a Valid Board of Directors’ Resolution under Nigerian Law

    Nigeria 5/29/2018 7:57:23 AM

    The Board of Directors (“the Board”) is a group of individuals, elected by the shareholders or the Directors themselves with a mandate to establish policies for corporate governance and management of the company.

42. Common Questions on Outside Directors' Rights and Protection of Minority Shareholders under Nigerian Law

    Nigeria 4/23/2018 4:03:18 PM

    Can minority shareholders restrain majority directors' decision to enter or continue with a transaction?

43. The Effect of Nigeria’s Recent Recession on Corporate Practice

    Nigeria 3/7/2018 1:24:09 PM

    1. What impact has the 2016-2017 recession in Nigeria had on the corporate sector?

44. Importation and Exportation Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 2/28/2018 1:51:24 PM

    Import Business Nigeria is an open market with a population of over 180 million people. This means products from other countries can be sold in the Nigerian market. However, the Nigerian Customs Service "Import Prohibition List", bans the following products from importation to Nigeria;

45. Local Content Participation in Nigeria

    Nigeria 2/26/2018 7:28:18 AM

    Despite the pressure of globalization, the Nigerian Government is responsible of ensuring that businesses in Nigeria remain competitive. This informed the need for the Government to put in place frameworks to enhance the ability of local companies to exploit local opportunities while staying competitive globally. This is the essence of local content legislations in some sectors. The local content provisions in some sectors include;

46. Impact of Nigeria’s Legislations and Business Practices on Foreign Investments

    Nigeria 2/14/2018 4:46:23 PM

    Announcement

47. The Role of Legislations and the Courts in protecting Foreign Investments in Nigeria

    Nigeria 2/12/2018 4:28:49 PM

    Under Section 6 (6) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, Nigerian legislations and powers of the courts extend to all matters between persons or between government and any person in Nigeria, and to all actions and proceedings for the determination of any question as to the civil rights and obligations of that person.

48. A Comparative Analysis Of The English And Nigerian Regime On Registration Of Foreign Judgement

    Nigeria 1/30/2018 12:05:46 PM

    As a former colony of England, the legislation for recognition of foreign judgment in Nigeria is modeled after that of England. Nigeria’s Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgment Ordinance, 1958 (“the Nigerian Ordinance”) provides for registration of judgments of only commonwealth countries.

49. The Rise of Alternative Resolution Mechanisms in Nigeria

    Nigeria 1/18/2018 1:24:39 PM

    In the course of business, it is inevitable that disputes will arise occasionally among business associates. While commercial disputes are common, the way they are handled can have a profound impact on the profitability, viability and survival of the business.

50. Procedure for Obtaining Banking Licence and Prospects in Banking Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 1/8/2018 11:37:47 AM

    Laws and Regulations

51. An Exposition of Entertainment Law in Nigeria

    Nigeria 12/12/2017 11:32:16 AM

    Entertainment law is the entire legal services to the entertainment industry. It involves the application of contract, corporate, finance, torts, bankruptcy law, immigration, securities law, right to privacy, tax law, insurance law, employment and labor law and intellectual property law principles to the interactions between players in the entertainment industry.

52. Commercial Litigation and ADR Mechanisms in Nigeria

    Nigeria 11/27/2017 11:25:47 AM

    Litigation is the most common form of dispute resolution in Nigeria. Its origin is entrenched in the English common law. Oftentimes, litigation is cumbersome because of ingrained culture of litigation which results in overflow of cases and delay in adjudication. This is bad for business and business relationships. The need for a more efficient dispute resolution process has contributed to the prominence of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in recent years.

53. Due Diligence Requirements in Nigeria

    Nigeria 11/20/2017 12:46:32 PM

    It is important for investors to conduct due diligence on a target Nigerian company before investing in it whether by means of restructuring, mergers, acquisitions or takeovers. This is because the real state of the company may not be stated in the books of the target company or known to the investor until it takes full control of the company.

54. Procedure for Transfer and Transmission of Shares in Nigeria

    Nigeria 11/15/2017 4:07:59 PM

    Legal Framework The Provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and a Company’s Article of Association (“Articles”) provides for the transfer and transmission of shares of the shareholders of the Company. Section 22 (2) of CAMA provides that a private company may by its Articles restrict the transfer of shares of its members. Where there is such restriction, the Articles may provide for preemptive right upon transfer of shares.

55. Common Question on Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/31/2017 10:22:24 AM

    What legislations regulate registration and enforcement of foreign judgments in Nigeria?

56. An Appraisal of Business Potentials and Legal Framework in Nigeria’s Solid minerals Sector

    Nigeria 10/19/2017 11:51:48 AM

    Nigeria is richly endowed with a variety of solid minerals of various categories varying from precious metals to stones and also industrial minerals. Much of these minerals are yet to be exploited. Statistically, the level of exploitation of these minerals is very low in relation to the extent of deposits found in the country. Recent policy reforms have brought the solid minerals sector to the fore. The emphasis is on encouraging massive foreign investor’s participation in the sector.

57. Legal Issues arising from a Technical Expatriate’s Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/12/2017 10:28:25 AM

    Apart from the oil and gas sector which remains the mainstay of Nigerian economy, the technical know how of expatriates are also needed in other budding sectors of the Nigerian economy such as tourism, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, power, real estate, construction, cable television and telecommunication. For expatriates to carry on their businesses in Nigeria some legal issues arises and same must be effectively dealt with to ensure smooth running of their businesses.

58. Legal Framework and Prospects of Lottery Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/9/2017 4:41:26 PM

    What is the legislation regulating lottery business in Nigeria?

59. Legal Framework for Carrying On Pharmaceutical Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/6/2017 11:39:14 AM

    All aspects of pharmacy practice in Nigeria are regulated by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act (1992 No. 91) (“the Act”).

60. Registration Of Patents In Nigeria

    Nigeria 10/4/2017 1:18:52 PM

    Types of Patent registration in Nigeria There are two types of patent applications in Nigeria, namely; (1) PCT or Conventional Patent and (2) Non-conventional Patent.

61. Procedure For Trademark Registrations In Nigeria

    Nigeria 9/26/2017 3:50:27 PM

    In Nigeria, for a trade mark to be registered, it must contain or consist of at least the name of a company, individual, or firm, represented in a special or particular manner; the signature of the applicant for registration or some predecessor in his business; an invented word or invented words; a word or words having no direct reference to the character or quality of the goods, and not being according to its ordinary geographical name or a surname; or any other distinctive mark.

62. Legal Framework for Transfer of Technology in Nigeria

    Nigeria 9/19/2017 11:54:26 AM

    The Transfer of Technology in Nigeria is governed by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion Act, Cap, N62 Laws of the Federation 2004 (“the Act”). The Act established the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (“NOTAP”). The principal function of NOTAP pursuant to the provisions of the Act is to monitor the transfer of foreign technology to Nigeria.

63. Procedure for Registration of Private Companies Limited by Shares in Nigeria

    Nigeria 9/13/2017 5:46:50 PM

    Applicable Law

64. Legal Framework for Foreign Companies to Carry on Business in Nigeria

    Nigeria 9/11/2017 6:31:38 PM

    How can a foreign company carry on business in Nigeria?

65. UKVI launches new 24-hour Super Priority Visa service in Nigeria

    Nigeria 8/9/2016 12:33:29 PM

    The new service allows customers to process their applications within 24 hours

66. Exporting to Nigeria

    Nigeria 4/23/2014 8:29:51 AM

    A guide for British businesses who are interested in developing their overseas trade and doing business in Nigeria.

67. Nigerian visas

    Nigeria 5/23/2013 8:22:35 AM

    The Nigerian embassy will be closed on the 29th of May, however the Nigerian visa centre will be operating as normal. But due to this, the visa applications will be processed with a one day delay.