Nigeria: Finance and Banking

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Finance law and banking law thought leadership, articles, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights covering topics such as capital adequacy, BASEL, acquisition finance, debt capital markets, fund finance, islamic finance, securitization and structured finance.
Article
The Equipment Leasing Registration Authority: What Every Lessor And Lessee Should Know
Equipment leasing has emerged as a vital source of asset finance for Nigerian businesses seeking access to vehicles, machinery, technology and other productive assets without substantial upfront costs. The Equipment Leasing Act 2015 established the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority and introduced a comprehensive statutory framework for regulating equipment leasing activities in Nigeria.
Nigeria Finance
Syntegral Legal Practice
Article
Borrowing From The Unclaimed: An Examination Of The Legality Of Diverting The Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund To Finance Government Loan Schemes In Nigeria
A pattern is emerging, one where private-owned monies are being diverted for public borrowing without the notice or express consent of the legal owners. In August 2026, President Bola Tinubu proposed the use of unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts funds to fund the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (“NELFUND”). Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education, informed the public that cross ministerial efforts have commenced between the Ministries of Education, Finance and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation towards removing legal hurdles and operationalising this directive.2
Nigeria Finance
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
Article
Forex Trading In Nigeria: The Implications Of Sec Proposed Rules On Online Forex Trading For Technology And Platform Providers
Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed comprehensive rules for online Forex trading and Contracts for Difference (CFDs), establishing a regulatory framework that extends beyond brokers to encompass technology and platform providers. The proposed regulations introduce stringent capital requirements, operational standards, and compliance obligations for businesses providing trading infrastructure, raising critical questions about registration, data localization
Nigeria Finance
PL
Pavestones Legal
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Related Country Guides

PF
Project Finance

Capital Adequacy/BASEL

Article
Regulatory Update: Sec Issues Circular On Revised Minimum Capital (Mc) For Regulated Capital Market Entities
On 16th January 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) released Circular Number 26-1 on the revision of Minimum Capital (MC) applicable to all categories of regulated capital market entities and this Circular seeks to strengthen market resilience, enhance investor protection, align capital adequacy with the evolving risk profile of market activities, and ensure that regulated entities possess sufficient financial capacity to discharge their obligations in a sustainable manner.
Nigeria Finance
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
Article
NEW RULES, HIGHER STAKES: What CBN's Proposed Financial Holding Company Guidelines Mean For Your Company
Nigeria's Central Bank has proposed sweeping reforms to its financial holding company framework, introducing stricter capital requirements, enhanced governance standards, and tighter controls on intra-group transactions. Will these changes strengthen the resilience of banking groups or impose excessive regulatory burdens on an already complex financial sector?
Nigeria Finance
DC
DCSL Corporate Services Limited
Article
CBN Caps Stay Period for Termination Rights and Payment Obligations under BOFIA at Two Business Days
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued new guidance clarifying that suspensions of payment obligations and termination rights under financial contracts involving Nigerian banks will not exceed two business days. This interpretative circular addresses a critical gap in the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, providing certainty for counterparties trading derivatives, repos, and other financial instruments with CBN-regulated institutions.
Nigeria Finance
UU
Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
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Debt Capital Markets

Article
When A Signature Becomes A Liability: Understanding The Concept Of Guarantorship Under Nigerian Law
The concept of Guarantorship is often taken for granted in Nigeria. The seemingly small request we now hear from friends, family members or even colleagues can be captured in the following sample appeal: “I collected one small loan, and I need you to be my guarantor. Please just sign here, I already know how to pay back; it will not be a big deal.”
Nigeria Commercial
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
Article
Borrowing From The Unclaimed: An Examination Of The Legality Of Diverting The Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund To Finance Government Loan Schemes In Nigeria
A pattern is emerging, one where private-owned monies are being diverted for public borrowing without the notice or express consent of the legal owners. In August 2026, President Bola Tinubu proposed the use of unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts funds to fund the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (“NELFUND”). Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education, informed the public that cross ministerial efforts have commenced between the Ministries of Education, Finance and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation towards removing legal hurdles and operationalising this directive.2
Nigeria Finance
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
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Charges, Mortgages, Indemnities

Article
How To Successfully Tap Into The $700 Million Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF)
Nigeria's Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund offers a $700 million opportunity for indigenous shipowners, but accessing these funds requires far more than completing an application form. Understanding what lenders evaluate—from repayment capacity and corporate structure to security arrangements and vessel revenue streams—can mean the difference between a rejected application and successful financing.
Nigeria Finance
OA
Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL)
Article
11 Plc V. Milan Industries Ltd & 2 Ors. (SC/CV/374/2023):  Right Of Access To Court And The Constitutional Limits Of Ouster Clauses
The Supreme Court's decision in 11 PLC v. Milan Industries Ltd raises critical questions about the constitutional validity of statutory ouster clauses that restrict judicial remedies. While upholding AMCON's powers to enforce mortgage securities and sell collateralized assets, the court controversially held that Section 34(6) of the AMCON Act validly ousts courts' jurisdiction to grant restorative reliefs, limiting aggrieved parties to monetary compensation only. This interpretation conflicts with constitut
Nigeria Litigation
BC
Babalakin & Co.Legal Practitioners
Article
Corporate Debt Recovery In Nigeria: A Guide For Foreign Investors And Creditors
Foreign investors engaging with Nigerian companies face unique challenges when recovering debts or protecting investments during financial distress. This comprehensive guide examines the legal framework under CAMA 2020, exploring restructuring mechanisms, enforcement of security interests, winding-up procedures, and cross-border insolvency considerations that shape debt recovery strategies in Nigeria's evolving commercial landscape.
Nigeria Insolvency
Adeola Oyinlade & Co
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Financial Services

Article
When A Signature Becomes A Liability: Understanding The Concept Of Guarantorship Under Nigerian Law
The concept of Guarantorship is often taken for granted in Nigeria. The seemingly small request we now hear from friends, family members or even colleagues can be captured in the following sample appeal: “I collected one small loan, and I need you to be my guarantor. Please just sign here, I already know how to pay back; it will not be a big deal.”
Nigeria Commercial
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
Article
Borrowing From The Unclaimed: An Examination Of The Legality Of Diverting The Unclaimed Funds Trust Fund To Finance Government Loan Schemes In Nigeria
A pattern is emerging, one where private-owned monies are being diverted for public borrowing without the notice or express consent of the legal owners. In August 2026, President Bola Tinubu proposed the use of unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts funds to fund the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (“NELFUND”). Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of Education, informed the public that cross ministerial efforts have commenced between the Ministries of Education, Finance and office of the Attorney-General of the Federation towards removing legal hurdles and operationalising this directive.2
Nigeria Finance
SA
S.P.A. Ajibade & Co.
Article
FCCPC Imposes Structural Remedies In MTN/IHS Acquisition
The Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has conditionally approved MTN Group Limited's acquisition of IHS Holding Limited, requiring MTN to divest 30 percent of IHS's Nigerian business to local investors. This decision addresses vertical competition concerns arising from MTN's transition from minority shareholder and customer to controlling owner of a telecommunications infrastructure provider that serves multiple mobile network operators.
Nigeria Anti-trust
BF
BREMER LF WLL
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Latest Videos

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