Regulatory, Compliance & Governance

Our Regulatory, Compliance & Governance team protects clients from exposure to risk when it comes to internal controls related to their business operations and provides strategic advisory services to help businesses navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

We specialize in corporate governance, compliance frameworks, and regulatory risk management across key industries, ensuring our clients operate with integrity and in full compliance with applicable laws.

From corporate secretarial services to regulatory engagement & filings and governance audits, we support businesses in maintaining best practices, mitigating risks, and fostering sustainable growth.

Nigerian Government regulatory agencies we work with include:

• The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) 

• The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) 

• The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) 

• The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) 

• The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) 

• The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)

• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

• The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

• The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX)

• The Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI)

• The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA)

• The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

• The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC)

The Nigerian business environment requires sector-specific licenses, permits, and approvals. Our risk, governance, and compliance lawyers are fluent in both general and sector-specific regulations and the level of compliance expected by regulatory authorities. We identify the relevant compliance issues that impact our client’s business and navigate the path towards meeting regulatory obligations. 

JEE’s services include obtaining pre-operational and post-operational licenses/permits and providing Regulatory Advisory services for sectors including: 

• Capital Market Operators; 

• Corporate Governance Policy Drafting

• Financial Services and Insurance; 

• Maritime; 

• Oil & Gas; 

• Pharmaceuticals; 

• Power; 

• Real Estate and Infrastructure; and  

• Telecommunications, among others.

Notable deals

• Secured business permits to legally commence business in Nigeria for foreign investors in the Finance, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and Entertainment sectors; 

• Obtained approval for a leading institution’s investment in Nigeria at the National Pension Commission; 

• Obtained pre-investment approval from the National Lottery Board for a subsidiary of a foreign company; and 

• Advised a world-leading financial services IT provider on the implementation and provision of internet banking services in Nigeria. Services provided under this transaction included registering the Technology Agreement at the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and advising on sundry regulatory frameworks affecting the implementation of the transaction. 

Food products, cosmetics, medical devices, drugs, chemicals, and packaged water are all regulated by NAFDAC – the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration & Control. JEE’s product registration team assists manufacturers and distributors of regulated products with registrations for NAFDAC, applying our in-depth experience, passion, clear understanding of clients’ needs and efficient, timely delivery for successful outcomes. 

Product registration services: 

• General product regulatory advisory: Registration procedure, classification of regulated products, relevant laws and regulations; 

• Product registration and renewal: Collation of application documents, product safety, labelling, packaging, classification, approval requirements, liaising with NAFDAC; 

• Product searches and status investigation: Conducting searches on completed and ongoing registrations and advising on product registration status; 

• Filing and prosecuting petitions on behalf of clients; and 

• Processing and obtaining change of agency and ownership: Preparing necessary documentation and representing the client at consultations. 

Notable registrations and renewals: 

• Cosmetic products manufactured abroad and in Nigeria, including hair-relaxer kits and beauty products for major global cosmetic brands; 

• Food products manufactured abroad and in Nigeria, including curry powder, spices, industrial dry yeast, wines & spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages; 

• Medical devices manufactured abroad and in Nigeria, including hospital treatment kits and sanitary products; 

• Industrial chemicals; and 

• Change of local distributors on behalf of foreign manufacturers. 

We assist companies engaged in cross-border transactions and inbound investments in fulfilling all legal requirements to establish and operate a business in Nigeria. With a combined experience of nearly 30 years, our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) team has successfully guided numerous multinational companies through the setup and operational phases across diverse industry sectors. These include automotive, energy, entertainment, information technology, investment, health, hospitality, manufacturing, pensions, and trading. Our expertise ensures seamless regulatory compliance and strategic support tailored to each client's needs.

Notable deals 

• Assisted a leading investment company in the incorporation of an SPV as its investing entity in the Pension sector; advising on the corporate structure, preparing the shareholders agreement and obtaining relevant pre-investment registrations and post-investment approvals/licenses from the Securities & Exchange Commission; 

• Assisted a leading multinational pharmaceutical and consumer goods company in setting up business in Nigeria; advising on the shareholding structure, regulatory compliance requirements and procuring relevant post-incorporation approvals and licenses; 

• Advised and assisting a leading European sport-betting company on the incorporation of its local subsidiary and obtaining the relevant regulatory permit for its business operations in Nigeria; providing labour and employment advisory services, immigration services, and agency contract documentation and general legal advisory; 

• Advised a renowned distillery on the road map to entry into and doing business in Nigeria; 

• Advised a property investment company in Dubai on the regulatory and legal compliance issues relating to establishing a local subsidiary in Nigeria; 

• Advised a multinational alternative-power solution company on establishing subsidiaries in several African countries, including structuring in relation to tax efficiency, investment protection, transfer of staff, and repatriation of investments; and 

• Advised a European Investment Bank in relation to establishing a Mauritius -based trust or foundation for Nigerian customers.  

JEE provides Company Secretarial services to businesses across multiple sectors of the economy and offers expertise in company law and administration for the Finance; Health; Hospitality; Information Technology; Oil & Gas; Insurance; Media and Property Management sectors. Our clients include four Public Limited Companies as well as Nigerian subsidiaries of international companies. 

JEE’s Governance experts provide tailormade, practical, and effective governance solutions to support top-tier multinationals and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) across a wide range of sectors of Nigeria’s economy, including Finance; Energy & Infrastructure; Fast Moving Consumer Goods; Information Technology; Investment Holdings; and Telecommunications.  

Our three decades of experience in this area of law enables corporate clients to comply with regulations and foster relationships between stakeholders, including shareholders (majority and minority); directors; employees; bankers; customers/clients; and regulatory agencies. 

Company Secretarial & Governance services: 

• Full outsourced company secretarial services; 

• Company secretarial support; 

• Board evaluation; 

• Corporate governance evaluations; 

• Corporate governance advisory; 

• Customised corporate governance policy documentation; 

• Provision of registered office address; 

• Provision of nominee directors and shareholders; 

• Preparation of shareholders’ agreements; 

• Post-listing services; 

• Post-incorporation compliance; 

• Regulatory filings at the company’s registry; 

• Organisation of directors’ and shareholders’ meetings; and 

• Maintenance of statutory registers.