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. 

• What is an execution clause in a contract?

  This is the section in which the parties sign the contract or agreement.

• Is there a penalty for late renewal of registration of products with NAFDAC?

  Yes, there is a late renewal fee, which is dependent on the category of the product.

• What is personal data?

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

• Why should I protect an industrial design?

  1. It gives commercial value to the owner.
  2. It protects the owner of the design from imitation of the design..
  3. It constitutes an asset of the company and it helps in fair return on investment.

• Is there a penalty for late renewal of registration of products with NAFDAC?

  Yes, there is a late renewal fee, which is dependent on the category of the product.

• Can my kids be shareholders in my company?

  Yes your kids can hold shares in your company but there must be a minimum of two adult shareholders before kids can be included.

• Why do I need a trademark?

  You need to register your trademark because if you don’t register it, someone else can! It helps identify you as the source and indicates a consistent level of quality of your products and services. Securing a registered trademark protects your brand, and provides you with tools to prevent someone else from using similar signs and riding off the back of your business.