Nigeria: Corporate and Company Law

Licensed by Nigeria's Export Processing Zones Authority, Itana represents Africa's first digital special economic zone designed specifically for technology, finance and service businesses. Unlike traditional free zones focused on physical goods, this innovative structure offers Nigerian tech entrepreneurs an alternative to incorporating abroad, allowing them to retain value generated by local talent while still accessing global capital markets.

Nigeria's new tax regime introduces critical compliance requirements for incorporated companies that have not yet commenced business operations. The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, effective January 1, 2026, reshape the framework for corporate taxation and administration, raising important questions about filing obligations for shelf companies and non-operational entities.

A pattern is emerging, one where private-owned monies are being diverted for public borrowing without the notice or express consent of the legal owners. In August 2026, President Bola Tinubu proposed the use of unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts funds to fund the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (“NELFUND”). Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education, informed the public that cross ministerial efforts have commenced between the Ministries of Education, Finance and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation towards removing legal hurdles and operationalising this directive.2

The Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026 (the "Order") establishes a production-linked tax remission framework for qualifying deep offshore oil and gas developments in Nigeria.

When a person dies in Nigeria, their assets and liabilities require proper legal administration before distribution to rightful beneficiaries. This comprehensive guide examines the legal framework governing estate administration, distinguishing between Probate and Letters of Administration, and addressing the procedural requirements, common challenges, and practical considerations that executors, administrators, and beneficiaries must navigate when managing deceased estates under Nigerian law.

A Lagos off-plan property development appeared ready for market with printed brochures, active construction, and growing media attention. However, when a prospective buyer's lawyer reviewed the title documents, fundamental legal issues emerged that the developer had never anticipated, ultimately costing them the sale and revealing how inadequate legal foundations can undermine even the most promising real estate projects.

The Corporate Affairs Commission has announced it will begin enforcing long-standing but rarely applied provisions of Nigeria's Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 requiring specific information on company business documents. Starting August 1, 2026, companies must ensure their letterheads, invoices, and other commercial materials display directors' particulars and registration details, or face escalating penalties.

The Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria has announced two major enforcement initiatives that will significantly impact corporate compliance requirements. Companies must now ensure their business letters...

Corporate governance in Nigeria hinges on effective representation at shareholder meetings, where critical decisions shape a company's future. When shareholders cannot attend in person...