Entries by Pavestones Legal

New CBN Measures on Diaspora Remittances: What They Mean for Market Participants

BY ADERONKE ALEX-ADEDIPE AND PROMISE ITAH Introduction On March 24, 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a circular on Measures to Further Deepen Diaspora Remittances and Compliance (the “Circular”). The Circular, which is effective from May 1, 2026, builds on the CBN’s revised guidelines for international money transfer services in Nigeria, and is […]

NIGERIA–UNITED KINGDOM STATE VISIT – LEGAL AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS FOR CROSS-BORDER INVESTMENT

By Seun Timi-Koleolu and Eniola Sogbesan Introduction The recent State visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom on March 18, 2026 marks a significant moment in the evolution of Nigeria–UK relations, being the first such visit in nearly four decades. While the visit carried considerable diplomatic weight, its true import lies in […]

SAFE VS. CONVERTIBLE NOTES: NAVIGATING FINANCING OPTIONS IN NIGERIA

BY ADERONKE ALEX-ADEDIPE AND HILLARY OKOROTIE Introduction Financing is an important component of every company’s formation and growth. For early-stage companies, founders often face the important decision of selecting the investment model that best supports the company’s development. While there are several financing options available such as direct equity investments and debt financing, this newsletter […]

Entering Nigeria’s Venture Capital Market: Regulatory Clarity, Capital Thresholds, and Structuring Pathways for Investors

By Aderonke Alex-Adedipe and Mark Imonitie Introduction Nigeria’s venture capital (VC) sector has evolved from an informal, relationship-based market into a structured ecosystem shaped by various laws and regulatory requirements including regulations provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As local and international VCs provide capital to high-growth businesses, VC firms must adeptly navigate […]

Foreign Exchange Controls in Nigeria: Updated Rules for BDCs

BY SEUN TIMI-KOLEOLU AND PROMISE ITAH Introduction On February 10, 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued a circular on Participation of Licenced Bureau De Change in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) (the “Circular”) allowing licensed Bureau de Change (BDC) to operate as intermediaries in the NFEM (the official foreign exchange market). This […]

THE 2026 CBN FINTECH REPORT; DEFINING THE FUTURE OF FINTECH IN NIGERIA

BY ADERONKE ALEX-ADEDIPE AND ENIOLA SOGBESAN Introduction The publication of the Fintech Report (the “Report”) by the Central Bank of Nigeria on February 2, 2026 represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fintech regulatory landscape. It is the first sector-wide review after the release of the Payment Systems Vision 2025 in 2022. The Report signifies a […]

THE NIGERIA CARBON MARKET FRAMEWORK 2025: AN OVERVIEW

BY SEUN TIMI-KOLEOLU AND HILLARY OKOROTIE Introduction In 2025, Nigeria took a significant step in advancing its climate action agenda with the signing of the Nigeria Carbon Market Framework (the “Framework”). Recently on January 14, 2026, the Framework was officially approved at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The Framework sets the foundation for Nigeria’s participation […]

RECAPITALIZATION IN THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR: LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS AND STRATEGIC OPTIONS

BY SEUN TIMI-KOLEOLU AND MARK IMONITIE Introduction The CBN in its March 28, 2024 circular announced an upward review of the minimum capital requirements for banks in Nigeria, mandating banks to raise their minimum paid-up capital by March 31, 2026 as follows: ₦500 billion for international commercial banks; ₦200 billion for national commercial banks; ₦50 […]

USE OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN DATA PROCESSING: LEGAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS IN NIGERIA

BY ADERONKE ALEX-ADEDIPE AND PROMISE ITAH Introduction Businesses are increasingly adopting the use of Emerging Technologies to improve efficiency and decision-making. While these technologies offer clear commercial benefits, they also involve the processing of Personal Data and therefore raise important legal and regulatory considerations. This newsletter outlines key legal and regulatory issues businesses should consider […]

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NIGERIA TAX ACT 2025 – PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES

BY SEUN TIMI-KOLEOLU AND ENIOLA SOGBESAN Introduction The year 2025 marked a pivotal period in Nigeria’s regulatory and business landscape, with notable reforms introduced across the insurance, capital markets, and tax sectors. Given that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (the “Act”) became effective from January 1, 2026, it is important that businesses and individuals are […]