Doing Business in Nigeria: Nigerian government welcomes foreign direct investment and foreign portfolio investment. Foreign investors are treated the same way as local investors under Nigeria’s laws and the ranking for the ease of doing business in Nigeria has improved significantly as a result of policy reforms implemented by the Nigerian government.

Doing business in Nigeria

DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA: HOW FOREIGN COMPANIES AND OFFSHORE INVESTORS CAN ESTABLISH IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian government welcomes foreign direct investment and foreign portfolio investment. Lex Artifex LLP, a law firm in Nigeria, has launched the Doing Business (DB) Helpdesk to assist investors looking to set up in Nigeria. This publication gives a snapshot of the legal and regulatory considerations for doing business in Nigeria.

 

Decide on the Business Structure

When deciding on doing business in Nigeria, you will need to choose between establishing a new company or acquiring an existing company. If establishing a new business, a variety of business structures are available. The four main types are sole proprietorship; partnerships; incorporated trustees; and companies. You need to decide on the company structure that will best suit your business needs. The business structure will determine the cost, tax, legal, regulatory and financial risk implications. Your situation may require advice from a Solicitor.

 

Types of Registrable Organizations in Nigeria

Registrable business organizations in Nigeria include:
1. A company limited by shares (Ltd or Plc)
2. A company limited by guarantee (Ltd/Gte)
3. An unlimited liability company (Ultd)
Any of the above companies may be a Private Company or a Public Company.
4. Business Name (registered as Sole Proprietorship or Partnership)
5. Incorporated Trustees (usually formed for not-for-profit or charitable purposes)
6. Limited Partnership
7. Limited Liability Partnership

 

Advantages of Company Limited by Shares Over A Business Name?

A company is its own legal entity. Its identity is separate from the shareholders, directors, and employees. It has perpetual succession – meaning that the business can continue despite the resignation, bankruptcy or death of directors or shareholders. The shareholders and directors have the protection of limited liability tied to their personal guarantees and/or the value of shares they hold in the company. It is relatively easy to expand or to scale-up by selling shares or offering a stake in the business to outside investors. The company can sue or be sued in its own name. A company has more credibility. It is easier to raise large sums of money for the business or sell a part of the business. It can take advantage of the investment incentives, pioneer status and tax exemption offered by the government.

Reserve A Name

You can only use a name that is not identical to an existing registered organization in Nigeria. A name availability search must be conducted at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registry to see if the name is available for use. Where it is available, same will be approved for registration. Name availability check and reservation can be effected within 24 hours.

Register the Approved Name

Entities doing business in Nigeria must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission either as a Business Name or as a Company. Foreign investors interested in entering the Nigerian market may wish to establish a new Nigerian company or establish a new Nigerian subsidiary which also operates as a distinct legal entity from the offshore parent company.

Prepare and File the Company Incorporation Deeds

Companies must have a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (MEMART), a CAC accredited Solicitor can assist you draft a MEMART to suit your business objects and file a copy of same at the Corporate Affairs Commission (“CAC”) registry; make payment of stamp duties on the incorporation deeds and register the company as a legal entity. Company’s MEMART or Business Name’s Partnership Deed will deal with ownership and management issues and contain the rules governing how the business is run. The deed will pin down the key issues and set out any restrictions on what the business can do and how decisions will be made.

Company Share Structure

All categories of company shares (i.e. whether ordinary or preferential) issued by a company doing business in Nigeria must carry one vote in respect of each share. Shares with the weighted voting right are prohibited. A company must have at least 2 directors (non-employee shareholders). However, private companies must not have more than 50 non-employee shareholders.

The Company Directors

The directors are the shadow of a company and at the heart of its corporate governance. A company doing business in Nigeria can have either foreign or Nigerian directors, and the directors may be resident or non-resident.

Find A Commercial Space or Office Location

If you are looking to acquire or lease a business or office location, a Solicitor can assist you with available options. The acquisition and development of land in Nigeria are perfected at the state or local government office where the land is situated. Approvals, assessments (including environmental and structural assessment) and other regulatory requirements may differ between state jurisdictions.

READ: The important things to do before buying land or property in Nigeria – The land due diligence checklist

Register with The Tax Authorities

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and State Board of Internal Revenue are responsible for the collection of corporate and personal taxes, respectively. Every company, business name or incorporated trustee must be registered with the FIRS and obtain Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Value Added Tax (VAT) Number, make and deliver to CAC the Annual Return in prescribed forms within the stipulated time. Filling of financial returns must be done within 18 months of incorporation/registration and must be completed and filed within 42 days after the organization’s Annual General Meeting. A financial year can in principle start on any given date. There is criminal liability for tax default and evasion. You may request the services of a Solicitor or accountant for information on taxation as per doing business in Nigeria.

Register Your Patent or Trademark

Your business may have proprietary to certain intellectual assets. To ward off infringements, you will require the services of a licensed IP Attorney in Nigeria to file an application for a patent or trademark registration in Nigeria.

Register and Obtain Licence From Relevant Regulatory Agency

Some businesses are subject to regulatory control and licensing by government departments such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Nigerian Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), etc. You want to obtain the necessary license and comply with health, safety, environmental and other regulatory obligations.

Issue Employment Contracts

Request the services of a Solicitor to prepare the employment contracts and work manual for your staff (or addendums for your employees outside Nigeria) and comply with the requirements under the Labour Act to avoid future legal liabilities.

Perform Administrative Obligations

You must submit annual accounts and tax returns to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). You must also file a statement of affairs or an annual return with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). You risk a fine if you miss deadlines or submit incorrect information. There are a number of other statutory requirements. For example, there are obligations you must fulfill under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Labour Act, Insurance Act, Pension Reform Act etc. An accredited Solicitor can advise you and help perfect the regulatory obligations.

Acquiring A Nigerian Company

An alternative to establishing a new or subsidiary company may be to acquire an existing Nigerian company. Merger and Acquisition processes in Nigeria are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Investors interested in acquiring a Nigerian company may have to make a formal bid. A bid to acquire a Nigerian Company is subject to approval by SEC and sanctioning by the Federal High Court.

Listing on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

Nigeria has a stock market, allowing access to long-term capital. To obtain and maintain an NSE listing, your company will need to meet the prescribed requirements set out in the stock exchange listing rules. This includes company disclosure and reporting requirements.

Operations of Foreign Companies in Nigeria

Foreign investors or offshore companies can hold 100% equity stake in a Nigerian company. However, a foreign company wishing to set up business operations or doing business in Nigeria should take all steps necessary to obtain incorporation of the Nigerian subsidiary as a separate entity in Nigeria for that purpose. Until so incorporated, the foreign company may not carry on business in Nigeria or exercise any of the powers of a registered company. Through a Power of Attorney, Lex Artifex LLP can assist a foreign company in the incorporation of a Nigerian subsidiary.

READ: 7 ways we help overseas companies and offshore investors to open in Nigeria

Obtaining A Business Permit and Expatriate Quota

Overseas investors and foreign companies looking to locate in Nigeria must obtain Business Permit or Expatriate Quota from the Nigerian Immigration Service. Expatriates do not require work permits, but they remain subject to needs quota of their employer company requiring them to obtain residence permits that would allow income remittances abroad.
Business permit is the authorization for the operation of a business with foreign capital either as a parent company or a subsidiary of a foreign company. The expatriate quota is the authorization to a company to employ individual expatriates to specifically approved job designations, and also specifying the permissible duration of such employment. The expatriate quota forms the basis of work permits for expatriate individuals (those qualifications must fulfill the criteria established for the particular quota position).

 

Doing Business in Nigeria

Foreign investors are treated the same as local investors under the Nigerian laws. This guide is intended to assist you in getting the summary of the regulatory considerations for doing business in Nigeria. This guide does not eliminate the need for professional advice and must not be construed as a substitute for legal guidance. The omission of any matter in this guide will not relieve you from any penalty incurred by failing to comply with the statutory obligations of relevant laws. Whether you are just starting up, expanding your activities, or looking to doing buisness in Nigeria, it is strongly recommended that you use professional advisors to help you with the legal, tax and regulatory complexities. Lex Artifex, LLP. can get you started through every step of the investment process.

Lex Artifex LLP provides:

  • Advisory on trade and investment
  • Legal representation for companies and offshore investors
  • Intellectual property protection and commercialization services
  • Due diligence
  • Legal compliance
  • Business immigration assistance

 

CONTACT US!

Our team is ready to help. Reach us on phone or WhatsApp at +234.803.979.5959, email – lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com.

YOUR COMPANY KIT

  • Your complete company kit will include – the Incorporation Documents, Common Seal and Stamp bearing your company name. Cost of producing the company kit is part of our professional fees.
  • Courier service from Nigeria to your designated address is charged separately.

 

VIRTUAL OFFICE SERVICES IN NIGERIA

If you want to have a corresponding address in Nigeria to receive business document and parcel, or a dedicated phone number with human receptionists’ services, we have Virtual Office Services in Nigeria for your consideration:
  • Nigerian Telephone Number (1 year)
  • Nigerian Receptionist Service (1 year)
  • Nigerian Correspondence Address Service (1 year)

Note:

  • Nigerian receptionist service is conducted in English, within normal office hours of Nigeria. The receptionists greet the callers with your company names and inform you the callers’ contact information by email for your reply.
  • Correspondence address is a commercial address; thus, it is not able to collect and store bulky items.
  • Courier service from Nigeria to your designated address is charged separately.

 

CONTACT US!

Please contact a member of our team directly or call or WhatsApp +234.803.979.5959, email: lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com.
Lex Artifex LLP’s Trade & Investment Advisory Group

Doing Business in Nigeria