Lawyers who get the Deal Through.

Explainer

Operating a Free Trade Zone in Nigeria: Key Considerations

More investors are now leveraging Nigeria’s free trade zones as a strategic gateway into the market, capitalizing on the significant increase in businesses and robust growth trends over time

December 22, 2024

Can Lagos’ Electricity Market Serve as a Blueprint for Other States?

Our analysis suggests that a tailored approach is essential for designing sustainable electricity markets across the country.

December 15, 2024

E-Commerce Regulations in Nigeria - Key Considerations

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, offers significant growth potential for global e-commerce platforms seeking to expand into emerging markets

December 15, 2024

Legal Update

Content Moderation Compliance Report by the NITDA

Specifically, the Compliance Report documents and evaluates the compliance efforts of Google, Linkedin, TikTok and X, in areas such as

December 13, 2024

Lagos Electricity Law: Investment Opportunities for 2025

With growing electricity demand driven by Lagos’ population of over 20 million and its position as Nigeria’s economic engine, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for power sector investors in Lagos

December 10, 2024

Lagos Electricity Market: Key Incentives for Investors

The Lagos Electricity Law stands out as a transformative piece of legislation poised to redefine the Lagos electricity market. One of its most noteworthy features is its clear focus on fostering investor confidence through robust legal protections.

December 9, 2024

Content Moderation in Nigeria: Legal Frameworks & Recent Developments

On December 3, 2024, the NITDA issued a public notice regarding the state of compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, 2023.

December 4, 2024

Case Study

Startups & Shareholders’ Agreement

The client is a technology startup, founded by three co-founders.Each co-founder held an equal share of the company (33.33%) and initially agreed informally on their roles and responsibilities.

Featured Case Study

Aligning Senior & Junior Partner Interests in a Venture Capital Fund

The existing compensation arrangements failed to adequately incentivise junior team and to reflect the actual contributions of senior partners

Article

Legal Due Diligence in a Nigerian M&A Transaction

The Client, a leading renewable energy firm, sought to acquire a controlling stake in a mid-sized Nigerian energy company to expand its footprint in Africa’s burgeoning renewable energy sector.

Case Study

Market Entry in Nigeria

Our client, a leading global technology company, sought to expand its operations into Sub-Saharan Africa, starting with Nigeria

Pre-Series Financing: Key Insights for Founders

We find that some startups attach the “Pre-” label to a funding round because they didn’t secure the full target amount or feel the amount raised doesn’t align with what’s typically associated with that stage. But what does it really mean, and when should you use it?

November 23, 2024

Legal Updates

The CBN FX Code: Moving From Rules to Principles

The introduction of the draft CBN FX Code marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market regulation as it signifies a shift away from a regulatory approach that is largely rules-based toward a more dynamic, principles-based regulatory approach. Effectively,

October 22, 2024

Financial Intermediation

How VCs Support Start-Ups Post-Investment

It’s often overlooked but venture capital is more than just a financial investment—it’s a partnership that fuels growth. Beyond the cash infusion, VCs provide critical post-investment management support to help startups achieve critical product and revenue milestones. So, what should you expect from your VC after closing a round?

October 12, 2024

Legal Updates

The CBN FX Code: Key Principles

The draft FX Code, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in October 2024, establishes a set of principles designed to promote a robust, fair, and transparent foreign exchange market. The FX Code seeks to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the Nigerian wholesale foreign exchange market.

October 10, 2024

Financial Intermediation

Intermediary Liability: Legal Considerations for Tech Platforms in Nigeria

Intermediary liability, as a legal and policy concern, raises the question: To what extent should tech platforms bear financial or criminal responsibility for the online actions or omissions of their users? As digital platforms continue to reshape industries and societies, this issue lies at the heart of balancing innovation with accountability

September 30, 2024

Financial Intermediation

Software as a Service in Nigeria: Some Commercial Issues

When global companies offer Software as a Service (SaaS) in Nigeria, they encounter distinct commercial challenges shaped by the country’s unique legal, economic, and business landscape. From navigating regulatory compliance and overcoming payment barriers to addressing data protection requirements and managing infrastructure limitations, these issues present significant hurdles.

September 25, 2024

Legal Update

Cape Town Convention Practice Directions

Nigeria’s recent classification by the Aviation Working Group (AWG) ranks at a medium level, two tiers below the high and very high categories. In this update, we explore the key factors behind Nigeria’s medium-level ranking and outline the essential milestones needed to achieve a higher-level classification.

September 23, 2024

A Primer on Construction Financing in Nigeria

Construction financing refers to a short-term loan specifically used to fund the construction of a building or other real estate project. For real estate developers in Nigeria, this financing is essential during the construction phase when the project generates little or no income but requires significant capital to cover costs like land acquisition, materials, labor, permits, and other expenses.

September 7, 2024

Lawyers who get the Deal Through.

Expediently. Strategically. Innovatively & Efficiently.

Forward. Thinking. Law.

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Serving clients worldwide

Client Services in Nigeria

Balogun Harold advises on venture capital, M&A, legal due diligence, competition and merger control, NDPA privacy and audits, data localization, market entry, digital infrastructure, internet regulation, platform law, and start-ups and emerging technology across Nigeria and Africa.

Digital Infrastructure, Cloud & Connectivity Practice

We provide Legal advisory for hyperscalers, cloud providers, data centres, telecom infrastructure, and the digital backbone of Africa's internet economy.

Digital Economy & Internet Regulation Services

Shaping how platforms, internet businesses, and digital ecosystems operate in Nigeria and across Africa.

Internet & Platform Law in Nigeria

Legal advisory for digital platforms, online businesses, and internet-enabled companies operating in Nigeria and across Africa.

Start-ups & Emerging Technology Lawyers

Expert legal counsel for start-ups and emerging technology companies in Africa's innovation ecosystem, including regulatory compliance, funding arrangements, and intellectual property protection.

Venture Capital in Nigeria

Comprehensive legal support for venture capital funds, startup investments, and fundraising in Nigeria's dynamic tech ecosystem.

Legal Due Diligence Services

Thorough legal due diligence for M&A transactions, investments, and regulatory compliance across African markets.

Mergers & Acquisitions Nigeria

Expert M&A counsel for Nigerian transactions, including competition law compliance and regulatory approvals.

Privacy & Data Protection Audits

Comprehensive privacy and data protection audits to ensure compliance with Nigerian data protection regulations and international standards.

Data Localization Advisory Services

Specialist advisory on Nigerian data localization rules for global cloud, fintech, and payment infrastructure providers operating cross-border systems.

Competition & Anti-trust in Nigeria

Expert legal guidance on merger notifications, competition reviews, and anti-trust compliance for Nigerian businesses and transactions.

Market Entry in Nigeria

Comprehensive legal support for international businesses entering the Nigerian market, including regulatory compliance and business structuring.