Business law in Nigeria

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

No

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

Yes, foreigners are in fact often better treated than locals.

The Language of Justice

The language of the justice system is English. However, in most of the northern states (about twenty), Hausa is used. Ibo is used in two states in the Northeast and Yoruba in the Southwest.

Recourse to an Interpreter

Defendants have the right to an interpreter for free, if necessary.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

Nigerian law is based upon the country's Constitution, legislation, English law inherited from the period of British colonization (Common Law), customary law, Islamic law (Sharia in 12 northern states) and jurisprudence.

Checking National Laws Online

International Centre for Nigerian Law