Balogun Harold - Leading Commercial &amp; Corporate Law Firm

Certificate of Capital Importation for Capital Goods and Equipment Imports into Nigeria: Key Considerations for Foreign Investors

Foreign investors entering the Nigerian market are often focused on company registration, tax compliance, and import approvals. However, one critical aspect that is frequently overlooked is the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) for the importation of capital equipment.

January 12, 2026

The FIRS-DGFIP Memorandum of Understanding: Key Legal Considerations for NRS

The NRS is subject to strict confidentiality and secrecy obligations under Sections 142 and 143 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), 2025. The general rule mandates the confidentiality and secrecy of all taxpayer information. Under Section 143, taxpayer information may only be shared in the following limited circumstances

December 31, 2025

Dangote Refinery and the Legal Test for Predatory Pricing: Key Considerations

In the realm of competition law, predatory pricing is an illegal business strategy whereby a dominant operator intentionally reduces prices, often below the cost of production, with the goal of eliminating competitors from the market or preventing the expansion of competitors or entry of new competitors. While low prices are generally celebrated as pro-consumer, competition law draws a careful distinction between aggressive competition on the merits and exclusionary pricing by a dominant firm.

December 30, 2025

Explainer

Judicial Review in Nigeria: A Practical Guide for General Counsels

For General Counsels overseeing subsidiaries in West Africa or managing multi-jurisdictional risk, understanding the mechanics of judicial review in Nigeria is essential.

December 29, 2025

Global

Building for the UK Market: Key Legal Considerations for African Founders

One of the first regulatory flashpoints for founders is the issue of liability that cannot be excluded by law. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, businesses cannot contract out of core obligations, which include ensuring that goods are of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described

December 26, 2025

Global

Agentic Commerce: Contractual Boundaries and Consumer Rights Under UK Law

From a UK consumer law perspective, particularly under Section 62 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Schedule 2, which govern unfair terms in consumer contracts, there are two key considerations.

December 26, 2025

Doing Business in Lagos, Nigeria: A Strategic Legal Guide for Investors Entering Africa’s Fastest-Growing Market

With a population exceeding 18 million people, Lagos is a megacity that generates roughly 20% of Nigeria’s GDP, making it one of the most important sub-national economies on the continent. In November 2025, the Lagos State Government announced a proposed budget of ₦4.237 trillion, the largest by any sub-national government in Nigeria, signalling a bold, infrastructure-led development agenda

December 6, 2025

Legal Update

NCC Internet Code of Practice 2025: New Obligations for Online Platforms

Online platforms operating in Nigeria must adopt internal community rules governing user conduct, content moderation, disinformation, fraud, and unlawful content. These community rules must be submitted to the NCC within six months of the Code’s issuance and must align with clause 146 of the Nigeria Communications Act (the "Act").

December 2, 2025

Legal Updates

Obtaining an International Gateway License in Nigeria - Key Considerations

An International Gateway License is advisable for companies aiming to provide satellite internet or point-to-point international communications in Nigeria.

December 1, 2025

Social Media Platforms in Nigeria - Navigating Competition Enforcement Risk

Without clear guidance on digital markets from the FCCPC, digital markets are at risk of being mischaracterized by regulators. For example, a platform’s decision not to roll out a service in a particular region driven by strategic, technical, or economic considerations could be misconstrued as anti-competitive exclusion.

November 28, 2025

Legal Updates

Commercial Satellite Operations in Nigeria - Key Considerations for Nigeria Market Entry

The 2015 NASRDA Regulations on Licensing and Supervision of Space Activities establishes general licensing requirements for any “space activity” conducted by Nigerian or foreign operators

November 25, 2025

Legal Updates

End User Certificates in Nigeria – Key Considerations for Importers of Controlled Goods

The end user certificate framework applies to a range of controlled goods, including military hardware, parts and components, security-sensitive equipment, and specific chemicals.

November 24, 2025

Explainer

Agency Banking in Nigeria - the Fintech Play

Fintechs aiming to operate in Nigeria’s agency banking space typically obtain a microfinance banking license, though even fintechs without a banking license can participate as super-agents for a principal bank

November 22, 2025

Agency Banking vs. Deposit-Banking: Key Considerations for Fintechs

As agency banking continues to expand financial access in Nigeria, a common misconception is that a fintech must obtain a deposit-taking banking licence, often in the form of a microfinance bank (MFB) licence, to fully tap the opportunities in agency banking. In reality, this licensing strategy may not only be unnecessary, but often strategically counterproductive. We highlight a number of considerations below.

November 22, 2025

The New CBN Agency Banking Regulations - Key Considerations for Venture-Backed Fintechs

The new CBN Agency Banking Regulations represent a major regulatory development that warrants more than just an investor update. In our view, the new CBN Agency Banking Regulations should prompt a strategic conversation at the board level between venture capital investors and their fintech founders

November 22, 2025

Contractual Liability in Agentic Commerce: Key Considerations

It appears that the end user will remain the economic principal in agentic commerce transactions, primarily because, it is the end user’s funds that are deployed, and it is typically the end user who authorises the AI agent to act within defined parameters, such as spending limits or merchant categories.

November 13, 2025

Neobanks in Nigeria: Key Considerations for Market Entry - Part I

Neobanks are digital-first financial platforms offering a variety of services, ranging from multi-currency accounts and payments to cards and investing solutions. Neobanks are undoubtedly reshaping global banking and for global Neobanks considering expansion into Africa, Nigeria presents a particularly compelling opportunity

November 10, 2025

Neobanks in Nigeria: Key Considerations for Market Entry - Part II

In Part 2 of our Neobanking Series, we will focus on some of the key legal and regulatory considerations governing market entry, licensing, and operational compliance

November 10, 2025

Stream Financing in Nigeria: An Alternative Financing Strategy for Mineral Title Holders

Stream financing is a form of alternative financing whereby an investor or “streamer” provides upfront capital in exchange for a contractual right to purchase a portion of future mineral production, typically at a discounted price.

November 9, 2025

Could Centralizing the Management of Nigeria's Sectoral Funds Unlock Greater Impact?

A centralized management framework, coordinated through a financially disciplined entity such as the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority or the Federal Inland Revenue Service, could enhance the effectiveness of sector fund allocation, allow for co-ordinated allocation across sectors, while preserving sector-specific oversight.

November 8, 2025