Author: Faruq Abbas
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The CAMA Rule Most Nigerian Companies Break on Their Letterheads, and How to Fix It Before 1 August 2026
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced its intention to fully enforce the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 relating to information that must appear on company business documents. In a public notice issued on 7 July 2026, the Commission drew attention to sections 304 and 729 of CAMA, warning that…
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Can an Employer Suspend an Employee Indefinitely Without Pay? A Review of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s Decision in Mr James Dada v. Dee-Pee Global Packaging Limited (Unreported Suit No. NICN/IB/31/2022) Judgment Delivered by Hon. Justice J.D. Peters on 13 January 2025
Introduction: A recurring issue in many employment relationships in Nigeria is whether an employer can suspend an employee indefinitely without pay. While the Nigerian Courts have, on many occasions, held that an employer lacks the implied contractual right to suspend its employees indefinitely without pay on disciplinary grounds, the issue of suspension without pay continues…
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Can a Non-Executive Director Become an Independent Director on the Same Board in Nigeria? What the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 Says
Introduction Companies in Nigeria frequently consider reclassifying an existing Non-Executive Director (NED) as an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) on the same board. The reasons are often practical: achieving quick compliance with board independence requirements, leveraging the director’s existing knowledge of the company’s business, saving recruitment time and costs, and avoiding the lengthy onboarding process for…
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A New Dawn for the Nigerian Judiciary: Reflections on the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026, and the Rollout of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS)
Introduction: On Monday, 29 June 2026, I attended a panel discussion on “Enhancing Justice Delivery Through E-Filing and Virtual Hearings—Opportunities, Challenges, and Implementation” at the ongoing NBA Lagos Law Week, which was very frank and interesting. During the discussion, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno State, spoke glowingly of the positive impact…
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Will a Notice to Quit Still Be Valid if the Tenant Pays Rent After Its Issuance? Lessons from the Supreme Court’s Decision in Pillars Nigeria Limited v. William Kojo Desbordes & Anor (2021) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1789) 122
Introduction There are many reasons why a property owner would issue a Notice to Quit to its tenant or lessee in respect of a property. However, one of the most common reasons is the tenant’s failure to pay rent promptly. Based on this fact, many tenants often mistakenly assume that a Notice to Quit will…
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Can a Seller of Land Accept Cash as Payment in Real Estate Transactions? Lessons from the Supreme Court’s Decision in Aliyu v. FRN (2026) LPELR-83493(SC)
Introduction A recurring question in Nigerian real estate practice is whether a seller of land can lawfully accept cash payment from a buyer for the transfer of property. For decades, many Nigerians, both buyers and sellers, have treated cash as a routine medium of exchange in property deals without giving any thought to the legal…
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Can an Estate Residents’ Association or its Security Service Provider Be Liable for a Burglary in the Estate? A Review of the High Court’s Decision in Obioha v. The Registered Trustees of Osborne Estate Property Owners & Residents Association, Lagos & Anor (Judgment delivered on 4 May 2026 by Hon. Justice K.A. Ajose (Mrs))
Introduction The increasing popularity of gated estates in Nigeria is largely driven by the prospect of enhanced security for residents and their properties. Many residents accordingly rely heavily on their residents’ associations, and on the security personnel that those associations engage to maintain effective access control and safeguard lives and valuables within such estates. Recent…
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Can an Estate Agent Claim Commission Without a Letter of Engagement? Lessons from the Supreme Court’s Decision in Ojo v. SDV Nigeria Limited (2025) LPELR-81498(SC)
Introduction A major issue that usually arises in almost every real estate transaction in Nigeria is the entitlement of estate agents to commission. In many cases, it is difficult to determine what actions usually entitle an estate agent to a commission on a transaction. Does the mere appointment of an estate agent to market a…
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Transferring Property by Deed of Gift: What Nigerian Law Requires
Introduction Property owners often bestow gifts on others as expressions of love, loyalty, appreciation, or as a means of distributing assets during their lifetime. Where a gift is not made under customary law, its validity and enforceability depend on the existence of a Deed of Gift between the donor and donee. A Deed of Gift…
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A Guide to Managing the Affairs of Individuals Lacking Mental Capacity: A Review of the Lagos State Mental Health Law, 2019
There are several instances where an individual who was previously medically fit suddenly becomes mentally unfit due to a health challenge or substance abuse. In such situations, it is not uncommon for certain relatives who have access to the individual’s assets to take undue advantage of their position to the detriment of the individual and…