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.

• Must my Company Secretary be a Lawyer?

  Although it’s ideal to have a lawyer as a company secretary, it is not compulsory for small private businesses.

• What is a testimonium clause in an agreement?

  This is the part of the agreement where the witness attests to have witnessed the execution of the agreement.

• What is SON?

  SON stands for ‘Standards Organization of Nigeria’

• What is personal data?

  This is any information that can be used to identify an identifiable human person such passport photograph.

• When registered, how long does a patent last for?

  Once granted, a patent is valid for 20 years.

• 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

• Why do i need a Shareholders Agreement?

  You need a Shareholders Agreement to protect your investment in a company.  The shareholders Agreement establishes a fair relationship between all shareholders and sets out how the company is run.

• Will my trademark registration in Nigeria protect me worldwide?

  No, all intellectual property (IP) rights which includes trademarks are territorial, which means you are protected in the countries in which you register them.