Project Finance in Nigeria: Leveraging Step-In Rights to Secure Lender Investments
INTRODUCTION Nigeria’s financial system is skewed towards short-term financing, making it difficult to obtain long-term funds for project and infrastructural development. Infrastructure includes development projects which may be financed by the government or by the private sector (or both) designed to support economic growth and improve essential services. Nigeria as an emerging market, faces significant challenge […]
The 50/50 Myth: Unpacking Settlement of Properties in Nigerian Matrimonial Causes
Introduction The dissolution of marriage often presents not only emotional and psychological challenges but also significant legal and financial complexities. One of the most contentious issues that arises during divorce proceedings is the question of property distribution between the parties. The division of matrimonial properties often sparks contentious debates about fairness, equity, and the contributions […]
Pit to Powerhouse: Will Nigeria Industrialise Its Mining Wealth?
Dear Readers, Nigeria is on the cusp of another defining moment in its industrial and economic evolution. Just weeks after news broke about the establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) factory, in partnership with China, the nation’s mining sector has registered another significant milestone, a landmark $400 million investment into what is set to become […]
The Written Words that Cannot Testify: Legal Limits to Extra-Judicial Statements of a Witness
Introduction In the heart of Nigeria’s criminal justice system lies a troubling paradox that continues to undermine the integrity of police investigations and the prosecution of crimes. This paradox is the persistent and habitual reliance by law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police Force, on extrajudicial statements of witnesses obtained during investigations, which are subsequently […]
Who is the Real Employer? – Navigating Liabilities in Triangular Employment in Nigeria
1.0 Introduction An employment relationship is founded upon a contract between the person or body (called the employer) who seeks to retain the services of another (called the employee) effectively putting the employee under their payroll . While this two-party, traditional relationship remains common, triangular employment is becoming more prevalent in Nigeria and globally. This […]
Nigeria’s EV Opportunity: Is Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Sector ready for this opportunity?
Dear Readers, In a strategic development poised to reshape Nigeria’s industrial landscape, China is set to deepen its collaboration with Nigeria through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories. During a recent courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Ambassador Dunhai reiterated China’s commitment to elevating its engagement with […]
Revived But Not Reformed: The Stalled Progress of Nigeria’s State Refineries
Dear Readers, Barely a month after the much-celebrated reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, the Refinery has come to a grinding halt.[1] Commissioned in 1978 and inactive for decades due to technical inefficiencies, the 125,000 barrels-per-day refinery resumed operations on December 30, 2024, only to shut down on January 25, 2025, due to […]
Navigating the Conundrum of Holding Charges in Nigeria: Reconciling Statutory Provisions with Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
Introduction The concept of a “holding charge”, whereby a defendant is brought before a court to secure a remand order pending investigation or legal advice, presents a profound legal paradox and continues to evoke unease in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The courts have consistently and categorically denounced the practice, branding it unconstitutional, alien to Nigerian […]
NERC’s Order on the Delineation of Discos’ Assets and Liabilities
Introduction Nigeria’s Power Sector is undergoing a significant transition following the 2023 constitutional amendment and the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023 (the “Act”), which together enable a two-tier regulatory framework; Federal and State-level regulation. Under the newly introduced framework, a State seeking to assume regulatory control over electricity activities within its territory must enact […]
The Law of Defamation in Nigeria: A Shield and A Sword
Introduction The entire gamut of the law of defamation revolves around two forms: libel (written) and slander (oral). Carefully observing how this law operates will lead to the undeniable conclusion that people should mind their own business and avoid commenting on issues. This is not the aim of this law, and in its operation, the […]
