Purchasing land or other real estate is one of the most significant financial decisions many people will make. Unfortunately, many buyers focus solely on the location and price of a property while paying little attention to the documents that establish ownership and legal rights. A property may appear attractive and be offered at a competitive price, yet the absence of proper documentation or the presence of defective title documents can expose a buyer to fraud, litigation, or the loss of their investment. Understanding land and property documentation in Nigeria is therefore essential before purchasing any property. Why Property Documentation Matters Property documents help establish ownership, transfer interests in land, and provide evidence of the legal rights attached to a property. They also assist buyers, financial institutions, and investors in assessing whether a property is suitable for purchase or financing. Proper documentation can help: Verify ownership. Confirm the seller’s legal interest. Reduce the risk of fraud. Facilitate property transactions. Support applications for loans or mortgages. Protect the purchaser’s investment. However, possessing a document does not automatically guarantee that the title is valid. Each document should be carefully examined during legal due diligence. 1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is one of the most recognised land title documents in Nigeria. It is generally issued by the appropriate state government and evidences a statutory right of occupancy over the land. Although a Certificate of Occupancy is an important title document, buyers should not assume that its existence automatically resolves every issue relating to ownership. The authenticity of the document and the circumstances surrounding its issuance should still be verified. 2. Deed of Assignment A Deed of Assignment is the document commonly used to transfer the seller’s interest in land to a purchaser. It usually contains important details such as: The identities of the parties. A description of the property. The interest being transferred. The agreed consideration. The rights and obligations of the parties. A purchaser should ensure that the deed is properly prepared, executed, and, where necessary, perfected in accordance with the applicable law. 3. Deed of Lease A Deed of Lease is used where a property owner grants another person the right to occupy or use land or a building for a specified period under agreed terms and conditions. Unlike a sale, a lease generally does not transfer ownership of the property. The document usually specifies: The duration of the lease. Rent and other payments. Rights and obligations of the parties. Conditions for renewal or termination. 4. Deed of Gift A Deed of Gift records the voluntary transfer of property from one person to another without monetary consideration. It is commonly used where property is transferred between family members or donated for charitable or personal reasons. The legal requirements for an effective gift should be carefully observed. 5. Governor’s Consent Where applicable, transactions involving interests in land may require the Governor’s Consent under Nigerian law. Failure to obtain consent where legally required may affect the validity or enforceability of the transaction. The necessity for Governor’s Consent depends on the nature of the transaction and the applicable law. 6. Survey Plan A Survey Plan identifies the precise location, dimensions, and boundaries of a property. It may assist in determining: The exact position of the land. Boundary measurements. Whether the property overlaps neighbouring land. Whether it falls within areas affected by government acquisition. Survey plans should be reviewed by qualified professionals where necessary. 7. Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney authorises one person to act on behalf of another. In property transactions, it may empower an attorney to negotiate, execute documents, or complete a sale on behalf of the property owner. Where a seller relies on a Power of Attorney, the purchaser should verify its authenticity, scope, and validity. 8. Deed of Mortgage Where land is used as security for a loan, the parties may execute a Deed of Mortgage. Before purchasing property, buyers should investigate whether any mortgage or other encumbrance affects the title. Failure to do so could result in acquiring property subject to existing financial obligations. 9. Probate Where a property owner dies leaving a valid will, Probate confirms the authority of the executors to administer the estate in accordance with the will. If property forms part of a deceased person’s estate, purchasers should verify that the persons dealing with the property have the necessary legal authority. 10. Letters of Administration Where a person dies without leaving a valid will, the appropriate authority may issue Letters of Administration to eligible persons, authorising them to administer the estate. Anyone purchasing property from an estate should verify the administrators’ authority before proceeding with the transaction. 11. Excision Excision refers to the process by which government releases a portion of land previously under acquisition back to the indigenous community or other beneficiaries. Not every parcel of land described as “excised” enjoys the same legal status. Buyers should ensure that the relevant government approvals and records support any claim of excision. 12. Gazette A Gazette is an official government publication that may record, among other matters, details relating to excised land. Where a seller claims that land falls within an excised area, the relevant Gazette should be carefully verified. 13. Court Judgment as Root of Title Ownership of land may also arise from a valid court judgment determining the rights of the parties. Where title is founded on a judgment, buyers should examine: The judgment itself. Whether any appeal affects it. Whether the judgment has been complied with. Any subsequent documents relating to the property. Professional legal review is particularly important in such situations. Why One Document Is Not Enough Many buyers believe that seeing a Certificate of Occupancy or Deed of Assignment automatically makes a property safe to purchase. That assumption can be costly. The validity of a property transaction depends on a combination of factors, including: The seller’s legal authority. The chain of title. Proper execution of documents. Registration and perfection where required.
How to Conduct Land Due Diligence Before Investing in Real Estate
Real estate remains one of the most attractive investment opportunities in Nigeria. Whether you are purchasing land to build a home, acquire commercial property, develop an estate, or hold it as a long-term investment, conducting proper due diligence is essential. Many property buyers have suffered financial losses after purchasing land with defective titles, buying from persons without legal authority to sell, or investing in properties affected by government acquisition, litigation, or competing ownership claims. Understanding how to conduct land due diligence before investing in real estate can help you minimise these risks and make informed investment decisions. What Is Land Due Diligence? Land due diligence is the process of investigating a property before purchasing or investing in it. It involves verifying the ownership, title, legal status, physical condition, and any issues that may affect the buyer’s rights or the property’s value. Due diligence helps a prospective purchaser answer important questions such as: Does the seller have the legal right to sell the property? Is the title valid? Is the property free from disputes or encumbrances? Is the land affected by government acquisition? Are there any pending court cases involving the property? Skipping these checks can expose a buyer to avoidable legal and financial risks. Why Land Due Diligence Is Important Conducting proper due diligence can help you: Avoid fraudulent transactions. Confirm that the seller has the legal authority to sell. Identify defective or questionable titles. Discover existing encumbrances. Reduce the risk of litigation. Protect your investment. Make informed purchasing decisions. Investing a little time in due diligence can save years of costly disputes. 1. Verify the Identity and Authority of the Seller Before discussing price or signing any document, confirm the identity of the person offering the property for sale. Ask questions such as: Is the seller the registered owner? Is the seller acting under a valid power of attorney? Is the seller an administrator or executor of an estate? Is the seller authorised by a company, family, or community to dispose of the property? If the seller lacks the legal authority to sell, the transaction may become problematic regardless of how much money has been paid. 2. Inspect the Property A physical inspection is an essential part of how to conduct land due diligence before investing in real estate. During the inspection, consider: The location. Accessibility. Existing developments. Physical boundaries. Beacons or survey markers. Signs of occupation. Any ongoing construction. Neighbouring properties. A site inspection may also reveal issues that are not apparent from documents alone. 3. Verify the Title Documents Ask the seller to provide copies of all relevant title documents. Depending on the circumstances, these may include: Certificate of Occupancy. Deed of Assignment. Deed of Gift. Deed of Lease. Governor’s Consent. Survey Plan. Probate documents. Letters of Administration. Court judgments affecting title. Possessing title documents does not automatically prove ownership. Their authenticity and legal effect should be verified. 4. Conduct Searches at the Appropriate Land Registry One of the most important aspects of land due diligence is conducting official searches. A Land Registry search may help confirm: The registered owner. Whether the title is registered. Existing encumbrances. Registered mortgages. Cautions or restrictions. Other interests affecting the property. The scope of available information depends on the records maintained in the relevant jurisdiction. 5. Verify the Survey Plan A survey plan should be examined to confirm the location and dimensions of the property. Professional review may help determine whether: The survey corresponds with the land being sold. The property falls within government acquisition. There are overlaps with neighbouring land. There are inconsistencies requiring further investigation. A defective or inaccurate survey can create significant problems after purchase. 6. Confirm That the Land Is Not Subject to Government Acquisition One of the biggest mistakes property buyers make is assuming that every available parcel of land can lawfully be purchased and developed. Some land may be: Under government acquisition. Subject to committed acquisition. Reserved for public purposes. Affected by planning restrictions. The legal implications vary depending on the nature of the acquisition and the applicable law. Proper enquiries should therefore be made before committing to the purchase. 7. Investigate Whether There Are Pending Court Cases Where possible, enquire whether the property is the subject of: Pending litigation. Family disputes. Boundary disputes. Ownership disputes. Probate disputes. Other legal proceedings. 8. Check for Existing Occupants Land is not always vacant simply because it appears undeveloped. Determine whether the property is occupied by: Tenants. Customary occupants. Farmers. Family members. Caretakers. Other persons claiming an interest. The rights of occupants should be properly investigated before purchase. 9. Verify Planning and Development Restrictions If your intention is to build immediately after purchase, you should also consider whether there are planning or development restrictions affecting the property. These may influence: The type of development permitted. Building height. Setback requirements. Environmental compliance. Access roads. Understanding these issues early can prevent future regulatory challenges. 10. Engage Qualified Professionals Land transactions often involve legal, technical, and surveying issues. Professional assistance may include: Lawyers. Licensed surveyors. Estate surveyors and valuers. Town planning professionals, where necessary. Professional advice helps identify risks that may not be obvious to an ordinary purchaser. Common Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid Property buyers frequently make mistakes such as: Paying before conducting due diligence. Relying solely on the seller’s representations. Failing to inspect the property. Ignoring discrepancies in title documents. Purchasing without conducting official searches. Failing to investigate existing occupants. Using informal agreements instead of proper legal documentation. These mistakes can lead to costly disputes and financial losses. Why Legal Due Diligence Matters Legal due diligence goes beyond reviewing documents. A property lawyer can help: Verify ownership. Review title documents. Conduct legal searches. Identify risks. Prepare or review transaction documents. Advise on regulatory requirements. Protect your legal interests throughout the transaction. Obtaining legal advice before completing a purchase is often far less expensive than resolving a dispute after the purchase. How Lexforte Attorneys Can Help At Lexforte Attorneys, we assist individuals, businesses, developers, investors, and Nigerians in the diaspora
Can You Recover a Debt Without a Written Agreement in Nigeria?
One of the most common questions lawyers receive is whether a debt can be recovered where there is no written agreement. This situation frequently arises between friends, family members, business associates, landlords, tenants, and even companies that have done business based on trust rather than formal documentation. The simple answer is yes. In many cases, it is possible to recover a debt even where there is no written agreement. However, the absence of a written contract can make proving the existence and terms of the debt more challenging. Understanding can you recover a debt without a written agreement in Nigeria is important if you have lent money, supplied goods, or provided services without signing a formal contract. Is a Written Agreement Always Required? No. Nigerian law recognises that not every valid agreement is reduced into writing. Many transactions are concluded orally or are evidenced by the conduct of the parties. However, when a dispute arises, the person claiming that money is owed must produce sufficient evidence to prove the claim before the court. A written agreement is one form of evidence, but it is not the only one. What Must You Prove? To succeed in a debt recovery claim, it is generally necessary to establish facts showing that: A loan, credit arrangement, or other transaction existed. The debtor received money, goods, or services. There was an obligation to pay. The debt remains unpaid. The amount claimed is ascertainable. The evidence required will depend on the facts of each case. What Evidence Can Be Used? Even without a written agreement, many forms of evidence may assist in proving a debt. These may include: Bank transfer records. Deposit slips. Payment receipts. Emails. WhatsApp or SMS conversations. Acknowledgements of the debt. Voice recordings, where lawfully obtained and admissible. Invoices. Delivery notes. Purchase orders. Witness testimony. Account statements. Part-payments made by the debtor. The stronger and more consistent the evidence, the easier it may be to establish the existence of the debt. Can WhatsApp Messages Be Used as Evidence? In appropriate circumstances, electronic communications such as WhatsApp messages, emails, or text messages may be relevant in proving that a debt exists. For example, messages in which a debtor: Admits owing money. Requests additional time to pay. Promises to pay. Confirms the amount outstanding. may support a creditor’s claim. Whether such communications are admissible and the weight the court will attach to them depend on the applicable rules of evidence and the facts of the particular case. What If the Debtor Denies the Debt? It is common for a debtor to deny that money is owed, especially where there is no written agreement. The court will examine all the available evidence rather than focusing on one document alone. This may include: The conduct of the parties. Payment history. Communications between them. Documentary evidence. Witness testimony. Any admissions made by the debtor. A denial by itself does not necessarily defeat a genuine claim. What If the Money Was Lent to a Friend or Family Member? Many loans between relatives or friends are based entirely on trust. Unfortunately, disputes sometimes arise when repayment is requested. Even in these situations, evidence such as bank transfers, messages acknowledging the loan, or witnesses who were aware of the transaction may assist in establishing the claim. Family relationships do not prevent legal rights from arising where a genuine debt exists. What If the Debt Relates to Goods or Services? Businesses often supply goods or render services without signing a detailed written contract. Where payment is not made, relevant evidence may include: Invoices. Delivery notes. Purchase orders. Job completion records. Correspondence. Payment history. Acceptance of the goods or services. The court will consider whether the available evidence establishes that payment is legally due. Can a Verbal Agreement Be Enforced? Yes, depending on the circumstances. An oral agreement is legally enforceable where the essential elements of a valid contract are present and there is sufficient evidence to prove its existence and terms. However, because oral agreements often lead to disputes about what was actually agreed, written contracts are generally preferable for important transactions. Steps to Take Before Going to Court Before commencing legal proceedings, you should consider: Gathering all available evidence. Calculating the exact amount owed. Keeping records of all communications. Sending a formal demand for payment through a lawyer where appropriate. Exploring negotiation or mediation if the circumstances permit. Many debt disputes are resolved after a properly drafted demand letter is served. What Should You Avoid? If someone owes you money, avoid: Threatening or harassing the debtor. Seizing the debtor’s property without lawful authority. Publishing defamatory statements about the debtor. Using violence or intimidation. Relying solely on verbal accusations without supporting evidence. Debt recovery should always be pursued through lawful means. How to Prevent Future Disputes Although debts may sometimes be recoverable without written agreements, prevention is always better than litigation. Whenever possible: Reduce important agreements into writing. Clearly state repayment terms. Keep payment records. Retain invoices and receipts. Confirm important discussions by email or message. Avoid making large loans without documentation. These simple steps can make future debt recovery much easier. Why Legal Advice Is Important Whether a debt can successfully be recovered depends on the available evidence, the applicable law, and the circumstances of the transaction. A lawyer can: Assess the strength of your claim. Review your evidence. Prepare a formal demand. Advise on negotiation or settlement. Commence legal proceedings where necessary. Represent you throughout the recovery process. Assist in enforcing any judgment obtained. Obtaining legal advice early can improve your chances of recovering the debt efficiently. How Lexforte Attorneys Can Help At Lexforte Attorneys, we assist individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and organisations with debt recovery and commercial disputes. Our services include: Legal assessment of debt claims. Review of supporting evidence. Preparation of demand letters. Negotiation and settlement. Debt recovery litigation. Commercial dispute resolution. Enforcement of court judgments. We are committed to helping our clients recover outstanding debts through practical and legally compliant strategies. Conclusion The absence of a
Business Name vs Limited Liability Company in Nigeria: Which Should You Choose?
One of the first decisions every entrepreneur must make is choosing the right legal structure for a business. Many people are unsure whether to register a Business Name or incorporate a Limited Liability Company (Ltd). While both structures allow you to operate legally in Nigeria, they are not the same. The structure you choose can affect your legal liability, ability to raise funds, credibility, taxation, ownership, and long-term growth. Understanding the differences between a business name vs limited liability company in Nigeria will help you make an informed decision. What Is a Business Name? A Business Name is a form of business registration that allows an individual or partners to carry on business under a registered name. Although the business acquires legal recognition through registration, it is not a separate legal entity from its proprietor or partners. In many situations, the rights and obligations of the business are effectively those of the proprietor or partners. Business names are commonly used by: Sole proprietors. Small businesses. Family businesses. Professional service providers. Startups testing a business idea. For many entrepreneurs, it offers a relatively simple way to begin operations. What Is a Limited Liability Company? A Limited Liability Company is a company incorporated under Nigerian law. Unlike a business name, a company has a separate legal personality. This means it can generally: Own property in its own name. Enter into contracts. Sue and be sued. Continue to exist despite changes in ownership, subject to the law. Its affairs are managed through its directors and shareholders in accordance with the applicable law and its constitutional documents. Key Differences Between a Business Name and a Limited Liability Company 1. Legal Status This is perhaps the most significant difference. A Business Name is not separate from its proprietor or partners. A Limited Liability Company is a separate legal entity recognised by law. This distinction has important legal and commercial consequences. 2. Liability One of the principal advantages of incorporating a company is the concept of limited liability. Subject to the law and the particular circumstances of a case, shareholders of a company generally enjoy limited liability for the company’s obligations. By contrast, proprietors of a business name may, in many circumstances, bear personal responsibility for the obligations of the business. However, limited liability is not absolute, and there are situations in which directors, shareholders, or other persons may still incur personal liability. 3. Ownership Structure A business name is usually owned by one individual or by partners. A company is owned by shareholders and managed by directors. This structure often makes it easier to admit new investors or transfer ownership interests. 4. Ability to Raise Investment Investors often prefer dealing with incorporated companies because they provide a recognised corporate structure for ownership and governance. A company can generally issue shares and accommodate changes in shareholding more easily than a business name. For businesses intending to attract investors or expand significantly, incorporation may be the more suitable option. 5. Business Continuity The continued existence of a business name may be closely connected to its proprietor or partners. A company, on the other hand, enjoys perpetual succession, meaning its existence is generally not affected simply because a shareholder or director dies, resigns, or transfers their interest. This makes companies more suitable for long-term business planning. 6. Credibility Many customers, investors, financial institutions, and government agencies regard incorporated companies as having a more formal business structure. Although many successful businesses operate under business names, incorporation may enhance credibility in certain commercial transactions. 7. Compliance Requirements A company generally has more legal and regulatory obligations than a business name. These may include maintaining corporate records, complying with statutory filing requirements, and observing corporate governance obligations. Business names also have legal obligations, but they are generally less extensive than those applicable to companies. Which Structure Is Right for You? A Business Name may be appropriate if you: Are starting a small business. Are the sole owner or have a small partnership. Want a relatively simple business structure. Do not presently intend to raise external investment. A Limited Liability Company may be more appropriate if you: Intend to grow the business significantly. Wish to attract investors. Expect to enter into substantial commercial contracts. Want a more structured ownership arrangement. Require a corporate identity for long-term operations. The most appropriate structure depends on your business objectives and should be determined after considering your legal and commercial needs. Can You Convert a Business Name to a Company? Many entrepreneurs begin with a business name and later incorporate a company as their business expands. The appropriate steps depend on the circumstances and applicable legal requirements. Before making the transition, it is advisable to obtain legal and professional advice to ensure that contracts, licences, assets, tax obligations, and regulatory requirements are properly addressed. Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When choosing a business structure, entrepreneurs often: Select a structure without considering future growth. Ignore ownership and governance issues. Assume a business name provides the same legal protection as a company. Delay obtaining legal advice until disputes arise. Fail to understand ongoing compliance obligations. Avoiding these mistakes can save considerable time and expense. Frequently Asked Questions Is a Limited Liability Company better than a Business Name? Not necessarily. Neither structure is universally better. The right choice depends on factors such as the nature of the business, the level of risk, future expansion plans, investment needs, and regulatory requirements. Can a Business Name become a Limited Liability Company later? Yes. Many entrepreneurs begin with a business name and later incorporate a company as their operations expand. The transition should be planned carefully to address legal and commercial issues. Which is more suitable for startups? It depends on the startup’s objectives. A small business testing a new idea may find a business name sufficient at the early stage, while a startup seeking investment or rapid growth may benefit from incorporating a company. Why Legal Advice Matters Choosing a business structure is more than an administrative decision. It can affect
How to Register a Company in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a business is an exciting milestone, but one of the first legal steps towards building a successful and credible enterprise is registering your company. Incorporating a company not only gives your business a distinct legal identity but also enhances its credibility with customers, investors, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities. Understanding how to register a company in Nigeria is essential for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors who want to operate lawfully and position their businesses for long-term growth. This guide explains the registration process, key requirements, and common mistakes to avoid. Why Register a Company? Registering a company offers several legal and commercial advantages, including: Creating a separate legal entity distinct from its owners. Enhancing the credibility of the business. Improving access to business financing and investment opportunities. Enabling the business to enter into contracts in its own name. Protecting the business name from use by another registered company. Facilitating business growth and continuity. For many businesses, incorporation is an important step towards long-term success. Which Businesses Should Register a Company? While some entrepreneurs may operate under a business name depending on the nature and scale of their activities, incorporating a company may be more appropriate where the business intends to: Raise investment. Limit the liability of its owners. Enter into significant commercial contracts. Expand operations. Build a long-term corporate structure. The most suitable business structure depends on the objectives of the founders and the nature of the business. Step 1: Choose a Suitable Company Name The first step in how to register a company in Nigeria is selecting a suitable name. When choosing a company name: Ensure it is unique and distinguishable. Avoid names that are prohibited or misleading. Ensure the proposed name does not conflict with existing registered names or applicable legal restrictions. If the preferred name is unavailable, alternative names may need to be considered. Step 2: Decide on the Company’s Structure Before registration, the founders should determine important matters such as: The type of company to be incorporated. The business objectives. The proposed shareholders. The directors. The company’s registered office. The share structure. Careful planning at this stage can prevent future disputes and operational challenges. Step 3: Prepare the Required Information The information required for incorporation generally includes: Approved company name. Details of the directors. Details of the shareholders or subscribers. Registered office address. Nature of the business. Share capital and shareholding structure. Means of identification for relevant persons. Other information required by law or the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The exact requirements may vary depending on the nature of the company. Step 4: Submit the Incorporation Application Once the necessary information has been prepared, the incorporation application is submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The application is reviewed to ensure compliance with the applicable legal requirements before registration is completed. Where additional information or corrections are required, the applicant may be requested to provide them. Step 5: Obtain the Incorporation Documents Upon successful registration, the company is issued with its incorporation documents. These documents serve as evidence that the company has been duly incorporated and may include other statutory information maintained by the Corporate Affairs Commission. Businesses should keep these documents safely, as they are frequently required when opening bank accounts, bidding for contracts, obtaining licences, or entering into significant transactions. What Documents May Be Needed? Depending on the circumstances, the incorporation process may require documents such as: Means of identification for directors and shareholders. Passport photographs, where applicable. Proof of address where required. Information relating to the company’s registered office. Other supporting documents required by the Corporate Affairs Commission. Professional guidance can help ensure that all necessary documentation is properly prepared. Common Mistakes to Avoid Entrepreneurs sometimes delay or complicate the incorporation process by: Choosing a name without checking its availability. Providing inaccurate information. Selecting an unsuitable shareholding structure. Appointing directors without understanding their legal responsibilities. Using incorrect business objectives. Ignoring post-incorporation compliance requirements. Avoiding these mistakes can make the registration process smoother and reduce future legal risks. What Happens After Incorporation? Registering a company is only the beginning. After incorporation, a company may need to consider additional matters such as: Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN), where applicable. Opening a corporate bank account. Maintaining statutory registers and corporate records. Holding meetings and keeping company records where required. Obtaining industry-specific licences or permits. Complying with tax and regulatory obligations. Protecting trademarks and other intellectual property where necessary. The applicable obligations depend on the nature of the company’s business. Why Professional Legal Advice Matters Although company registration has become more accessible, incorporation involves legal and commercial decisions that may affect the future of the business. A lawyer can assist by: Advising on the appropriate business structure. Preparing incorporation documentation. Advising on directors’ and shareholders’ rights and obligations. Drafting shareholders’ agreements where necessary. Advising on regulatory compliance. Providing post-incorporation corporate advisory services. Obtaining legal advice at the outset can help entrepreneurs establish a stronger legal foundation for their businesses. How Lexforte Attorneys Can Help At Lexforte Attorneys, we provide comprehensive corporate and commercial legal services to entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and established businesses. Our services include: Company registration and incorporation. Corporate restructuring. Corporate governance advisory. Drafting shareholders’ agreements. Regulatory compliance advisory. Commercial contract drafting and review. Corporate secretarial support. Business advisory services. We work with clients to ensure that their businesses are established on a sound legal foundation and remain compliant as they grow. Frequently Asked Questions Can one person register a company in Nigeria? Yes. Subject to the applicable provisions of Nigerian law, it is possible for a company to be incorporated with a single shareholder and a single director where the law permits. How long does company registration take? The time required depends on factors such as the completeness of the application, the availability of the proposed company name, and the processing time of the Corporate Affairs Commission. Can a foreigner register a company in Nigeria? Yes. Foreign investors may register companies in Nigeria, but additional legal and regulatory requirements may apply depending on