Frequently Asked

• When are Annual Returns due for filing?

  A company’s first Annual Returns are due for filing after 18 months of its inception, subsequently it should be filed annually as the name implies. The filing dates could differ for each company depending on their financial year end but must be filed not later than 42 days after its Annual General Meeting.

  The Annual Returns for Business Names is due not later than the 30^th of June each year except in the year the business was registered.

• What’s the difference between a business name and an LLC?

  • A business name is a sole proprietorship, usually owned and managed by one individual only. Legally, the sole proprietor and his business are one. It simply means an individual trading with an alias. The sole proprietor is personally liable for all business related obligations.

  • A limited liability company on the other hand is a separate business entity from the individuals that hold its shares and act as directors. Legally, it’s a separate business entity and a person on its own who can transact business, own property separate from its owners and can sue or be sued. 

• Why is mutual assent important in a contract?

  This is one of the key elements of a contract because is shows the meeting of the minds of both parties

• What are the penalties for not registering my products with the SON?

  1. Seizure of goods by the Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate
  2. Payment of a fine.
  3. Prosecution

   

• What is classified as personal data?

  Name, photograph, personal health/bio information, account/financial information, phone number, Address, date of birth, place of birth, Email address, etc.

• How long does a trademark registration in Nigeria Last?

  Trademark is valid for seven years from the date of application but you may renew the application for the trademark for an additional period of 14years.

• What are the product categories available when registering with NAFDAC?

  The product categories include: Food, Cosmetics, Drug, Medical Device, Agro-Chemicals & Pesticide, Veterinary Products, Vaccines & Biologicals, Herbal and Nutraceuticals and Water

• What is the first thing I must do to register a business in Nigeria?

  To register a business in Nigeria; you would need to conduct a name search of the business. You can achieve this using your CAC-CRP account.

• Can I trademark my logo and name separately? Why is this a good idea?

  Yes you can. The advantage is that it gives you the opportunity to have more than one logo or the opportunity to change your logo easily as opposed to registering the name and the logo as one trademark.