LEGAL HUB

WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY LAWS IN NIGERIA Nigeria has made numerous attempts in protecting women's rights by enacting laws, but the persistence of challenges is due to gaps in implementation, cultural norms, and the lapses between federal and state laws. Key legislation and the legal protection for women in Nigeria is discussed below. 1. Key Legislation Protecting Women in Nigeria a. Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015 The  VAPP Act  is one of Nigeria’s laws addressing gender-based violence. The Act spoken on rape, criminalizes spousal rape, stipulated life imprisonment for offender, protecting victims of domestic violence, prescribes penalties for offenders, and criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and harmful widowhood rites and also identified economic deprivation as a form of abuse. Challenges Faced by VAPP, 2015 The  VAPP Act  is a federal law that applies only in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja). Unless a state ena...

  THE NIGERIAN ELECTORAL LAWS AND THEIR IMPACT ON FUTURE ELECTIONS The laws governing elections in Nigeria are wide and complicated, made up of various laws, regulations, and guidelines that regulate the electoral process. Firstly, The  Electoral Act 2022  is the main enactment for elections in Nigeria. Alongside, the  Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria  (1999, as amended),  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines , and  finally Judicial Precedents (Court Decisions)  play vital roles in electoral procedures. Below the above-mentioned laws will be discussed Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended): The Constitution is the supreme law of the constitution and it made provisions for the general legal laws for elections in Nigeria. It sets the eligibility requirements for candidates and voters, electoral boundaries, and the general structure of elections. It defines the composition of the electoral bodies, like INEC, ...

  NAVIGATING THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM: BASIC KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO ACCESS JUSTICE Navigating the Nigerian judicial system can be overwhelming and strenuous sometimes, but it's important to have background knowledge on accessing justice. Below are basic guides to understanding how Nigerians can file lawsuits, access legal representation, and follow court procedures. 1. Understanding the Judicial Structure Nigeria's judicial system operates a hierarchy of courts, with each court having its jurisdiction. The system is generally divided into: The Supreme Court : The highest court in Nigeria, which deals with constitutional matters, appeals, and issues of national importance. Court of Appeal : This court hears appeals from lower courts and also serves as a court of first instance in certain cases, such as election petitions. Federal High Court : handles matters relating to federal laws, including cases involving the federal government, intellectual property, or matters that involve f...

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR STARTUPS IN NIGERIA  When starting a business in Nigeria it usually involves several legal processes, startups in Nigeria are expected to undergo business registration, intellectual property rights protection, and tax obligations to compile with. Some of the processes are discussed below.  1. Business Registration In Nigeria, the registration process of businesses and companies is governed by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which is been handled by the accredited agent. The registration process typically involves the following steps:  Choose a business name ; the name must be unique and not already registered by another business and its availability must be confirmed. · Determine the Type of Business Entity : You need to decide on which of the types of legal entity that best suits your business intention. It could be Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Public Limited Company (PLC)   Prepare and Submit D...

Enforcing contracts in Nigeria has been met with several legal obstacles, which include the various issues faced by the judiciary, legal profession, and government. These challenges affect the success of contract enforcement. Some of these legal challenges include:  Delay by the Judiciary : The absence of judicial independence has been one of the reasons for delays in legal proceedings due to judges' consciousness on ruling against powerful parties. These delays not only prolong contract enforcement but also dissuade business owners from seeking legal recourse when the need arises.  Application of the Law Inconsistently : Inconsistent judgment on similar legal matters, such as contract disputes, can affect the confidence and understanding of the people in the Nigerian legal system. This inconsistency becomes obvious when laws are not enforced equally across the country. Different areas or states have different adopted laws applicable to those states. Non-compliance with c...

Some Important Legal Documents You Need in Nigeria. ( Part 1) As a resident of Nigeria, having the right legal documents in place is crucial for protecting your rights, securing your assets, and ensuring your well-being. In this succession of posts, we'll outline some important legal documents you need in residing in Nigeria. 1. Will (Last Testament) A Will is a legal document that outlines how you want your assets distributed after your passing. Without a Will, your estate will be shared according to Nigerian intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. A Will ensures: - Distribution of assets to chosen beneficiaries - Appointment of an executor to manage your estate - Protection of vulnerable family members (e.g., minors, special needs individuals) 2. Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney grants someone authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or health matters if you become incapacitated. This document ensures: - Continuity in decision-making - Protection of...