Nigeria is Africa's most populous market and a gateway to West Africa, but entering it involves several regulatory steps that must be taken in the right order. Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, a foreign company that intends to carry on business in Nigeria must generally incorporate a Nigerian entity, unless it qualifies for an exemption. Further registrations then follow with investment, immigration, tax and sector regulators.
We act as a single point of contact for international clients, coordinating each step and explaining the practical realities of doing business in Lagos and Abuja.
Key steps for foreign investors
- Structuring: choosing between a subsidiary, a joint venture with a Nigerian partner, or a holding structure, and checking sector restrictions on foreign ownership
- Incorporation: registering the Nigerian company with the Corporate Affairs Commission with appropriate share capital
- NIPC registration: registering the company with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission as an enterprise with foreign participation
- Capital importation: bringing in investment through a Nigerian bank and obtaining a Certificate of Capital Importation, which supports the later repatriation of dividends and capital
- Business permit and expatriate quota: obtaining approvals from the Federal Ministry of Interior to employ foreign nationals
- Tax registration: registering for applicable taxes with federal and state tax authorities
- Sector licences: obtaining licences from regulators such as the CBN, NCC, NAFDAC, SEC or NUPRC, depending on the business
Exemptions from local incorporation
CAMA 2020 allows certain foreign companies to apply for exemption from the requirement to incorporate locally, for example companies invited by the Federal Government to execute specific projects, or those executing loan-funded projects for government. We advise on eligibility and prepare exemption applications.
How we assist
- Market entry structuring and regulatory mapping for your sector
- Incorporation, NIPC registration and capital importation guidance
- Expatriate quota and business permits
- Employment documentation, local content requirements and commercial contracts
- Tax registration and advice on available incentives
- Ongoing corporate secretarial support
Practical considerations
Foreign investors frequently underestimate timelines for licences and permits, and the importance of local banking relationships for capital importation. We provide a realistic roadmap at the start, so you can plan your launch with fewer surprises.
