Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates

31/07/2026

I am intentional about bridging the gap between Africa's emerging markets and the investors who are ready to seize them.

My mission is to ensure that every investor whether local or international has the legal intelligence and confidence to participate in Africa's economic transformation.

1. I Demystify Complex Legal Frameworks
Africa's regulatory environment is often intimidating. I refuse to let that stop serious investors.

· I break down critical legislation – When the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol was ratified, I immediately explained what it means for tech startups and cross-border commerce. Not in legal jargon. In plain business terms.
· I provide procedural clarity – I guide investors through the maze of company registration, tax identification, and securing mandatory business permits from the Ministry of Interior for foreign-owned companies. I want you to know exactly what to expect.
· I create educational content – From contract review essentials to investor protection clauses, I ensure you understand.

2. I Champion Pan-African Frameworks
I use my platform to advocate for the legal infrastructure that makes Africa attractive for investment.

· I promote the AfCFTA agenda – I highlight the transformative power of the AfCFTA domestication bills and the removal of legal barriers to growth. Nigeria must fully harness continental trade opportunities, and I make sure investors know how.
· I foster regional collaboration – Through my posts referencing key markets and economic zones, I promote a unified legal approach. I want investors to see Africa as one integrated market—not 54 fragmented jurisdictions.
· I convene the legal community I bring together legal minds across the continent to build the operational playbook for African trade.

Why? Because Africa's single market requires a unified legal vision. I am building that vision.

3. I Advocate for Legal Stability and Certainty
Investors need stable legal environments to commit capital.

· I clarify property rights.
· I tackle emerging legal issues
· I commit to justice

Because legal uncertainty is the enemy of investment. I confront it head-on.

My Activity How It Benefits You
AfCFTA & Legal Analysis

29/07/2026

Africa’s Investment Landscape: Key Legal Frameworks You Should Know

The African investment space is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by continental integration and national-level reforms. For legal and business professionals, understanding this evolving framework is no longer optional—it’s essential.

The Continental Shift: AfCFTA’s Investment Protocol

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Investment, adopted in February 2023, represents a pivotal moment. It moves beyond mere trade liberalisation to establish a binding legal instrument that promotes, facilitates, and protects intra-African investments while fostering sustainable development. Unlike the patchwork of over 156 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) it aims to replace, the Protocol introduces modern disciplines on investment facilitation, protection, and dispute prevention.

However, implementation remains complex. Countries like Kenya are actively aligning national frameworks with the Protocol, while others like Sierra Leone are strengthening institutional capacity to domesticate these continental commitments.

Key Players: National Investment Promotion Agencies

At the national level, dedicated agencies serve as gateways for investment:

· Nigeria: The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), established under the NIPC Act, coordinates and monitors all investment promotion activities. It offers foreign investors up to 100% equity ownership in most sectors with streamlined registration.
· South Africa: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) drives industrial financing and sector development.
· Kenya: The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) facilitates investor engagement and provides support for investment decision-making.

Investor Rights and Protections

African investment laws increasingly guarantee equal treatment for foreign investors. Nigeria, for instance, assures unconditional transferability of funds, profits, and dividends through the NIPC Act. At the continental level, the Pan-African Investment Code (PIC), though non-binding, serves as a guiding instrument promoting sustainable development and balanced investment governa

29/07/2026

Nigeria’s AfCFTA Chairmanship – What It Means for Your Business

On 6 July 2026, Nigeria officially assumed the Chairpersonship of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, taking over from Egypt. This isn’t just diplomatic symbolism. At the 18th Council Meeting in Abuja, ministers declared that the agreement’s legal architecture is now substantially in place—and the focus shifts decisively from negotiating rules to making them work.

As the new Chair, Nigeria now helps shape policies that turn years of negotiation into real economic opportunities for businesses, industries, and millions of consumers across the continent. The question is: are you ready?

Four Priorities That Directly Affect Your Business

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has set a results-oriented agenda anchored on four priorities:

1. Accelerating implementation – moving decisively from commitments to action.
2. Strengthening regional value chains – so Africa trades more of what it produces.
3. Unlocking digital trade – harnessing the transformative potential of Africa’s digital economy.
4. Expanding access to finance – particularly for women-led enterprises, youth entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.

What This Means for Nigerian Businesses

1. Real momentum, not just talk

Over 12,000 Certificates of Origin have already been issued under the AfCFTA as of March 2026. Intra-African trade is projected to reach $230 billion in 2026, driven largely by manufacturing and value-added products. The train is moving.

2. A $1 billion financing facility is now accessible

Nigeria has introduced a $1 billion AfCFTA Adjustment Fund Credit Facility targeting large African businesses with a minimum financing threshold of $10 million. If you’re scaling operations, expanding into African markets, or integrating into regional value chains, this is a major opportunity.

3. Export registration is now fully digitised

Registration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council is mandatory for all exporters—but the process is now fully online, with certificates valid for two years.

4. Nigeria’s exports to Africa now exceed any other region

Nigeria’s exports to African markets now surpass export

29/06/2026

5 Dos & 5 Don’ts for Foreign Investors Looking at Nigeria in 2026

Nigeria remains the "Giant of Africa" for a reason—massive market size, booming tech ecosystem, and untapped natural resources. But as a foreign investor, navigating the legal landscape can feel like walking through a minefield if you don’t know the rules.

Having reviewed the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) Act and the Investments and Securities Act, here is my distilled cheat sheet for entering the market successfully.

The 5 Dos (The Legal Essentials):

✅ Do Your Homework (Due Diligence): Don't rely on Google alone. Understand the specific industry trends and geopolitical risks on the ground.

✅ Do Register with the NIPC: If you have foreign participation, register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. It’s your gateway to legal recognition. (Sections 17 & 18, NIPC Act).

✅ Do Secure Capital Repatriation: This is a game-changer. Nigerian law guarantees you can transfer your dividends, profits, and loan repayments in freely convertible currency. (Section 24, NIPC Act).

✅ Do Protect Against Expropriation: The law provides safeguards against nationalization without fair compensation. Know your rights. (Section 25, NIPC Act).

✅ Do Hire Local Experts: Never try to go it alone. Engage a legal team that knows the terrain to handle CAMA incorporation and local content compliance.

The 5 Don'ts (The Pitfalls to Avoid):

🚫 Don't Touch the "Negative List": Avoid arms production, narcotics, and military apparel. Foreign participation is strictly prohibited here. (Section 18, NIPC Act).

🚫 Don't Start Without Incorporation: Operating without registering under CAMA is illegal. Ensure your enterprise is properly incorporated before signing that first contract. (Section 19, NIPC Act).

🚫 Don't Forget Local Content: Respect environmental regulations and indigenous participation laws. If you ignore them, the regulators will make you pay.

🚫 Don't Ignore SEC Approvals: If you are soliciting funds or dealing in collective investment schemes, get the SEC’s nod. Unauthorized solicitation carries hefty fines. (Section 195, ISA).

🚫 Don't Cut Corners on Permits: Secure all necessar

28/06/2026

African Continental Free Trade Area Isn't a Suggestion. It's the Law in Africa.

Here’s what most people get wrong about the African Continental Free Trade Area: They think it’s just a policy or a nice-to-have initiative.

It’s binding legislation.

As of June 2026, Nigeria is legally obligated to implement AfCFTA. The framework is already active, having begun its operational phase on January 1, 2021. Here’s the legal reality that businesses and professionals need to know:

1. The AU Treaty is Enforceable: The Treaty to Establish the African Union (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, 2003 gives full legal jurisdiction to AU treaties in Nigeria. Section 1 specifically mandates recognition and effect. AfCFTA operates under this umbrella.
2. The Economic Community Treaty: The Treaty to Establish the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament Act, 2004 reinforces the broader integration framework. Nigeria is legally bound to the continental economic agenda.
3. Domestic Support: Our own Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act, 1987 complements AfCFTA’s objectives by supporting export promotion and trade facilitation.

What does this mean for you?
The tools are live: rules of origin, tariff concessions, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), and the African Trade Observatory. For Nigerian businesses, this isn't future speculation—it's the current operating environment.

Nigeria is harmonizing domestic laws with AfCFTA protocols. The question isn't if this will affect your business, but how quickly you will adapt.

Want clear, direct analysis on trade laws and business strategy?
Follow me for more practical breakdowns that cut through the jargon.

---

💬 What’s your biggest concern about AfCFTA implementation?

26/05/2026

Thinking of accepting your landlord’s offer to deduct improvement costs from your rent? Read this first.

Under the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2011, what seems like a fair arrangement can quickly become a legal headache if not properly documented.

Before you start that kitchen renovation, here are 6 key protections every tenant should insist on:

🖊️ 1. Get written consent – Section 6(2) requires the landlord’s prior written consent for any improvements. Verbal agreements won’t protect you.

💰 2. Understand compensation vs. rent deduction – The law allows compensation for consented improvements when you vacate, but that doesn’t automatically mean rent deductions. Separate agreement is needed.

📄 3. Document the deduction clearly – Specify the amount, calculation method, and timing in writing. This prevents disputes over overcharging.

🔨 4. Define scope & quality – Avoid misunderstandings by detailing materials, finishes, and workmanship standards.

🧾 5. Keep every receipt – Proof of expenses is your best evidence.

⚖️ 6. Seek legal review – A lawyer can help draft or vet the agreement to ensure your rights are protected.

Bottom line: Don’t lift a hammer until everything is in writing. A clear, signed agreement saves both parties from future conflict.

This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

30/04/2026

🚨 Legal Reminder for Social Media Users in Nigeria

Sharing explicit sexual content such as videos or images of a th*****me involving yourself, your spouse, and another person on social media is illegal under Nigerian law.

Key legal provisions to be aware of:

📌 Cybercrimes Act 2015 (as amended 2024)
Prohibits the transmission or publication of obscene, indecent, or pornographic materials via computer systems or networks. Offenders risk fines and imprisonment.

📌 Criminal Code Act
Criminalises the distribution or circulation of obscene publications. Public sharing of explicit content attracts criminal liability.

📌 Privacy & Consent
Even with consenting adults, sharing intimate content without all parties’ proper consent violates privacy rights and may lead to legal consequences.

Penalties can include millions of Naira in fines and/or several years’ imprisonment.

✅ Best advice: Refrain from sharing such content to avoid criminal prosecution.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.

30/04/2026

🚨 Legal Perspective: Extrajudicial Shooting by Police in Nigeria

When a police officer shoots a person without lawful investigation, prosecution, or due process, that act is unlawful under Nigerian law and constitutes an abuse of power.

Key legal provisions include:

📌 Criminal Code Act, Section 298 – Any person authorized to use force (e.g., a police officer) is criminally responsible if they use excessive force beyond what is reasonably necessary. Shooting without lawful justification qualifies as excessive force.

📌 Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Section 18 – Force used during arrest must be reasonably necessary and proportionate. Shooting in broad daylight without lawful cause violates this provision.

📌 Criminal Code Act, Section 261 – Reasonable force may be used in executing a lawful arrest, but any force beyond what is necessary is unlawful. Extrajudicial killing clearly exceeds this limit.

Summary:
A police officer who shoots extrajudicially is acting outside the law and is criminally liable for excessive use of force or unlawful killing. Such acts violate the victim’s rights and due process. The officer can be prosecuted for murder or manslaughter.

This post is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified lawyer for your specific situation.



Omodolapo Yusuff is the Principal at Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates
2349033133308

04/04/2026

29/03/2026

When a Dispute Turns Physical: Legal Implications of Assault in Landlord-Tenant Relationships

A recent incident highlights a troubling escalation between a tenant and her 81-year-old landlady. What began as a quit notice and a move-out process allegedly turned into physical assault and unlawful detention.

According to reports, the landlady blocked the tenant from leaving the compound and repeatedly punched her, while the tenant reportedly did not retaliate.

From a legal standpoint under Nigerian law, several key issues arise:

🔹 Assault Causing Harm
Under Section 355 of the Criminal Code Act, unlawfully assaulting another and causing harm is a felony, punishable by up to three years imprisonment. Age does not exempt anyone from criminal liability.

🔹 Unlawful Detention
Section 81 of the Criminal Code Act criminalizes wrongful obstruction or forcible acts that breach the peace. A landlord has no lawful right to prevent a tenant from leaving the premises—especially when no rent is owed.

🔹 Defense of Premises
While Section 292 permits reasonable force to protect one’s property, this does not extend to causing harm. Once physical assault occurs, it exceeds the bounds of lawful defense.

Recommendations for Tenants in Similar Situations:

· Report the incident to the police immediately.
· Obtain medical reports if injured.
· Consider seeking a restraining or protection order from the court.
· Explore civil claims for damages arising from the assault.

This situation serves as a reminder that disputes—no matter how heated—must be resolved within the bounds of the law. Physical violence is never a justifiable response, regardless of age or provocation.



Yusuff Omodolapo is the Principal at Adoydam Solicitors and Advocates
2349033133308