The Nigeria Startup Act 2022 created a legal framework to support technology startups. It established the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a Startup Portal for registration, and a process for companies to be issued a startup label, which gives access to incentives and programmes under the Act.
Eligibility
To be labelled, a startup must generally meet criteria set out in the Act, including:
- Being a limited liability company incorporated in Nigeria for no more than a specified number of years
- Having objects focused on innovation, development, production, improvement and commercialisation of digital technology products or processes
- Being a holder or repository of a digital technology product, or the owner or author of registered software
- Having a minimum proportion of its shares held by Nigerian founders
We review the company's structure, objects, shareholding and IP against these criteria and advise on any changes needed.
Incentives and support
The Act provides for a range of support measures for labelled startups, which may include fiscal incentives, access to the Startup Investment Seed Fund, training and capacity building, and support for intellectual property protection and access to markets. The availability and detail of incentives depend on implementing regulations and, for tax incentives, Nigeria's tax laws as reformed in 2025.
How we assist
- Eligibility assessments and restructuring to qualify
- Amending objects and share structures where needed
- IP registration and software ownership documentation
- Preparing and submitting startup label applications through the Startup Portal
- Advising on incentives and how to claim them
- Compliance with conditions attached to the label
A foundation for growth
The startup label is one part of a strong legal foundation. We combine it with our wider startup legal services, from founders' agreements to fundraising.
