Individuals & SMEs Legal Guide Corner

12/01/2026

The appropriate time to engage a lawyer in any land transaction is at the point negotiations commence, not after the purchase price has been paid.

One of the primary responsibilities of a lawyer in a land transaction is to investigate the title to the property.

The fact that a buyer has known the seller for a long time does not guarantee that the seller’s title is valid or free from defects.

In many instances, a seller may have unknowingly acquired land that is subject to government acquisition or other encumbrances. Where such land is purchased, the buyer risks being served with a revocation or demolition notice by the government.

For this reason, it is imperative to consult a property lawyer before concluding any land transaction.

A lawyer will carry out the necessary due diligence to ascertain that the land is free from encumbrances and adverse claims before any documentation is prepared.

Discussing or preparing a Deed of Assignment or Power of Attorney without first conducting proper title investigation amounts to putting the cart before the horse.

A Deed of Assignment or Power of Attorney should only be prepared after due diligence has been completed and the lawyer is satisfied with the findings.

Mind you, no lawyer will persuade you to engage him/her in investigating the land title, it's in your own interest to pay and engage one for that purpose after which you can go ahead with preparation of the necessary documents if satisfied with the findings.

12/01/2026

12/01/2026

Land agents have no business with the validity of land documents or title.
He is only interested in sealing the deal and taking home his 10%.

Do yourself a huge Favour by paying attention to every detail and ensuring due diligence and proper documentation.

Happy new week.
Please follow our page and invite others for more legal awareness.

10/01/2026

Happy birthday cutie

06/01/2026

Why You Should Register as a Company

Registering your business as a company gives it a legal identity separate from you as the owner. In law, you and the company are treated as two different persons.

Because of this separate identity, the company does not end with you. It continues to exist even after your death.

A registered company can own property in its own name, just like a natural person, and it has the legal capacity to borrow money.

In addition, small companies with annual turnover below ₦100 million may enjoy tax exemptions under Nigerian law.

A company can also sue and be sued in its corporate name, making it easier to enforce rights and obligations.

These, among many other benefits, are why registering as a company is often a better option than operating under a business name.

If you are already registered as a business name, you can still convert it to a company.

For more details please don't hesitate to reach out.

03/01/2026

Here are common but costly mistakes people often make when investing in real estate.

I know you have made enough money and now is time to buy your dream house or land.

You have been hearing of investment in real estate and you think that's exactly what you need to escape poverty which have dealt with you before hitting your breakthrough.

PLEASE HOLD ON AND THINK FOR A MOMENT BEFORE INVESTING.

The following mistakes must be avoided by all means, NO 7,3,and 12 must be taken seriously.

1. Buying with emotions.
Falling in love with a property instead of evaluating cash flow, rental demand, and long-term value.

2. Ignoring location fundamentals
Cheap land or houses in poor locations with no access roads, schools, markets, or future development plans. Don't just buy because it's cheap please.

3. Not doing proper title search
Failing to verify ownership, survey plans, excision, governor’s consent, or C of O. This is very common and risky in Nigeria. Don't listen to any agent telling you otherwise. Verify these things.

4. Underestimating hidden costs
Forgetting about legal fees, agency fees, taxes, maintenance, renovations, and service charges.

5. Overestimating rental income
Assuming constant occupancy or inflated rent without considering market realities.

6. Poor cash-flow planning
Investing all savings without emergency funds, then struggling when repairs or vacancies arise.

7. Skipping professional advice
Trying to “save money” by avoiding lawyers, surveyors, or valuers, often leading to bigger losses. Don't make this mistake at all.

8. Buying without a clear strategy
Not knowing whether the goal is rental income, flipping, land banking, or long-term appreciation.

9. Ignoring exit plans
No plan for resale or liquidation if money is urgently needed.

10. Trusting verbal agreements
Relying on promises instead of written contracts and proper documentation. Make sure to avoid gentle man agreement.

11. Following hype blindly
Investing just because “everyone is buying there” without independent research. Everyone is doing it doesn't mean you should go into it blindly. Seek professional advice.

12. Neglecting property management
Poor tenant selection, lack of maintenance, or no rent collection system. Most landlords only contacts lawyers when it's time to serve notice to quit or if the damages have been done.

Please be wise this 2026.
Don't save only to invest with less experience.

02/01/2026

TAX EVASION AND AVOIDANCE IN NIGERIA
THE LEGAL IMPLICATION OF BOTH.

Tax Avoidance is the reduction of taxable income or tax owed through legal means. Here, the tax payer structures his businesses or affairs in such a way as to preclude him from paying the full amount of tax due.

In other words, tax avoidance is not illegal and therefore not punishable since it involves using the tax laws to reduce tax liability under the same laws.

Examples of tax avoidance include;
(a) submitting claims for the expenses in earning the income, thereby reducing the income to be taxed
(b) increasing the number of one's children so as to enjoy tax deductions
(c) seeking professional advice on best ways to reduce tax liability legally, etc.

For instance, if Emeka is an Estate developer, which means he buys properties, develops them and resell to make profit,

Emeka can legally pay less tax on the profit made from reselling the property by stating clearly the expenses incurred in the process of developing the property such as renovation, survey and legal fees.

These expenses are tagged, allowable expenses or deductions.
Note that not all the expenses incurred is allowable deductions.

Tax evasion on the other hand is the unlawful means of concealing taxable income from the tax authorities, so as not to remit taxes. This is illegal and punishable under the Nigerian law.

Tax evasion involves deliberate misrepresentation of one's true financial status to the tax authorities so as to reduce tax liability.

Examples of tax evasion includes;

(a) False declaration of income, profits or gains actually earned.
(b) Deductions one is entitled to.
c) Failure to render tax returns to the Relevant Tax Authority.

These activities are violations of tax laws and punishable in Nigeria.
Therefore, before you start typing those funny transaction narrations, make sure you are prepared for the consequences.

For further clarifications, do well to inbox me.

Note however, that I don't joke with my consultation fee.

Thank you and happy new year.

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02/01/2026

Description go choke this period.

Just know that tax evasion is a punishable offense.

Keep proper records

Tax returns are filed every 31st March, failure of which tax authorities will access your tax themselves and you must pay.

There are many tax consultants on this blue app dishing tax advice up and down, but don't be deceived, if you read the tax laws and you don't understand it, get a paid legal opinion on the aspect that concerns your business.

And if you are yet to register your business, please do so to avoid paying excess tax.

Thank you.