The PPPRA plays a vital role in maintaining the stability of petroleum product pricing, regulating supply and distribution, and ensuring a robust downstream sector. For businesses involved in petroleum importation, obtaining a Petroleum Importation License from the PPPRA is a critical requirement. 

This Article outlines the requirements and steps involved in securing this license, helping potential clients navigate the process smoothly.

Requirements:

To obtain a Petroleum Importation License, applicants must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Expression of Interest: Submit a written application addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
2. Storage and Distribution Capacity: Provide documentation demonstrating ownership or control of a storage facility, throughput agreement, or retail outlets, showcasing the applicant’s ability to store and distribute petroleum products.
3. NUPRC License: Hold a valid Storage/Import License issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
4. Corporate Registration: Submit certified true copies of the following documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC):

    – Certificate of Incorporation

    – Memorandum and Articles of Association

    – CAC Status Report or Form 1.1

    – CAC Form C02 (Allotment of Shares)

    – CAC Form C07 (Particulars of Directorship)

    – Annual Returns made to the CAC

5. Memorandum of Understanding (if applicable): Provide agreements with other companies, if relevant.
6. Financial Capability: Submit a bank reference letter or evidence of financing, demonstrating the applicant’s ability to fund petroleum importation.

Steps to apply for Petroleum Importation License from the Petroleum Products

To obtain a Petroleum Importation License, follow these steps:

Step 1:  Submit Application

1. Prepare a written expression of interest addressed to the Executive Secretary of PPPRA.
2.  Compile and attach all required documents to the application.

Step 2: Demonstrate Storage Capability

1. Provide proof of ownership of a storage facility or a valid throughput agreement.
2. Include documentation proving ownership or control of retail outlets, if applicable.

Step 3:  Obtain NUPRC License

1. Secure a storage/import license from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
2. This license demonstrates compliance with storage and safety regulations.

Step 4: Submit Corporate Documentation

Provide certified true copies of company registration documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), including:

1. Certificate of Incorporation (proof of legal status)
2. Memorandum and Articles of Association (detailed business information)
3. Business Status Report, CAC Forms 1, C02, and C07 (information on directors and shareholders)
4. Annual Returns (proof of financial standing and regulatory compliance)
5. Provide Memorandum of Understanding (if applicable)

Step 5: Demonstrate Financial Capability

Provide a bank reference letter or other evidence of financing, proving the company’s ability to support petroleum importation activities.

Step 6: Review and Approval

1. Submit the complete application to PPPRA for review.
2. The agency will assess the applicant’s performance and capability, including storage capacity and discharge efficiency.
3.  Successful applicants will be issued a Petroleum Importation License.

Conclusion

A Petroleum Importation License is a critical requirement for businesses importing petroleum products in Nigeria. By meeting the necessary requirements and following the process, companies can ensure compliance and tap into the petroleum sector’s opportunities.

By Deborah Ogedengbe for Adeola Oyinlade & Co.

Adeola Oyinlade & Co. is a leading full-service law firm in Nigeria offering legal and advisory services to both local and foreign clients in the Oil and Gas sectors in Nigeria.

 To see our service offerings, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.adeolaoyinlade.com

 Mobile: +234 803 826 7683 / +234 802 686 0247

DESCRIPTION

The maiden edition of Adeola Oyinlade & Co National Essay Competition is organised and sponsored by Adeola Oyinlade & Co., a leading full-service law firm in Nigeria. The competition is designed to task law students’ ability to analytically discuss a given topic within the ambit of relevant laws, and make sustainable submissions.  

TOPIC (2025) AND RATIONALE

Taxation and Development in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Implementation

Rationale: Nigeria is yet again at the verge of amending the Nigerian tax milieu through some Tax Reform Bills. Are taxes reflective of the development in Nigeria? Is there a loophole in the chain of policy making and implementations? Students are expected to answer these questions. 

ELIGIBILITY

This Essay competition is open to 100 – 500 level law students in all tertiary institutions (Federal, State and Private) in Nigeria. 

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

1. Submissions are allowed on an individual basis. Co-authorship of essay is not permitted.
2. All essays must be original and entirely written by the applicant. Plagiarism is not allowed. Original.
3. Entrants are to submit only one entry.
4. Submissions must not exceed 1500 words. And it shall not include any pictures or other graphical illustrations. Footnotes are not part of the word count. 
5. Essays must be in English and submitted in Microsoft Word Format. Font: Times New Roman – Size 12, double spaced; Alignment – Justified. 
6. All essays must be well referenced using OSCOLA style.
7. Entrants’ school and other personal details shall not exist on the manuscript submitted EXCEPT THE FULL NAME of Entrants. This is to forestall partiality and promote transparency.
8. Submission: Essays should be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] with SUBJECT titled: The 2025 Adeola Oyinlade & Co National Essay Competition for Law Students in All Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.
9. Announcement & Update:  The announcement of Winners will take place on our LinkedIn platform. For further updates, please follow this link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adeolaoyinlade/
10. It is not open to law graduates (There are other competitions’ schedule for law graduates and students at the Nigerian Law School later in the year).

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 

All essays must be submitted in their complete forms on or before 12 midnight of February 21, 2025. No late submissions will be accepted. 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Essays will be judged on Originality, Clarity of Expression, Depth of Analysis, Relevance to Topic, Spelling and Grammar and Conformity to Contest Rules.

Relevance: Alignment with the theme and focus on the role of taxation in achieving the SDGs in Nigeria.

PRIZES

Three cash prizes and five categories of awards:

∙       Winner:  NGN 300,000.00 (+ Internship at Adeola Oyinlade & Co.) and Publication of Essay on Mondaq

∙       First Runner-up: NGN 200,000.00 (+ Internship at Adeola Oyinlade & Co.)

∙       Second Runner-up: N100,000.00 (+ Internship at Adeola Oyinlade & Co.)

∙       4th – 10th Entrants: NGN 50,000.00 each (+ Internship at Adeola Oyinlade & Co.). 

∙       Certificate of Participation for all participants whose entry conformed to the essay submission guidelines. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

The announcement of Winners will take place in March, 2025 on our LinkedIn platform. Please follow Adeola Oyinlade & Co on our LinkedIn for further updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adeolaoyinlade/ 

OUR JUDGES 

Our judges for this year’s competition are lawyers, professionals and Senior Advocate. They include:

1. Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, FCIArb- Managing Partner, S. P. A. Ajibade & Co
2. Professor Balarabe A. Haruna, Faculty of Law, Bayero University Kano
3. Associate Professor Akinola Akintayo, University of Lagos
4. Dr. Taiwo Omidoyin, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ado-Ekiti Branch
5. Ms. Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns, Christian Aid
6. Ms. Adaeze Akuegbu, Assistant Manager, Deloitte and Touche 

MERIT NOT POPULARITY

This essay competition will be based on the merit of the submissions of the students. No aspect shall require voting, post sharing, liking, following, or anything that may depend on sheer popularity. 

For further enquiries, please contact Busola Ogundele, Practice Administrator on 0814 198 3314 or email [email protected]

Introduction

Acquiring a radio or TV broadcasting license in Nigeria involves several steps and requirements. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is Nigeria’s primary broadcasting regulatory body, established on August 24, 1992. This Decree was later amended by Act 55 of 1999 and is now known as the National Broadcasting Commission Act. The NBC is responsible for regulating and controlling the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, ensuring that broadcasting stations operate in accordance with the National Mass Communication Policy.

Some of its key functions include: grants licenses to broadcasting stations, regulates the broadcasting industry and it monitors broadcasting stations to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines in accordance with the National Mass Communication Policy.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to navigate the process with ease –

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

1. Company Registration: Register your company under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) with a minimum share capital of ₦1 million.
2. Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your broadcasting goals, target audience, and financial projections.

Step 2: Choose Your License Category

1. Radio Broadcasting License: Decide on the type of radio broadcast license you want to apply for: FM (Frequency Modulation) License, MW (Medium Wave/AM) License, or SW (Short Wave) License.
2. TV Broadcasting License: Choose the type of TV broadcast license you want to apply for: VHF (Very High Frequency) License, UHF (Ultra High Frequency) License, or Satellite TV License.

Step 3: Obtain an Application Form

1. Purchase an Application Form: Buy an application form from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) at a cost of ₦50,000 via bank draft.
2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form in triplicate and attach the required documents.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

1. Submit Your Application: Return the completed application form with the required documents to the NBC.
2. Required Documents: Attach the following documents to your application:

– Certificate of Incorporation

– Certified copy of Memorandum and Articles of Association

– Engineering design and feasibility study

– Letter of undertaking

– Bank letter providing financial guarantees

Step 5: Wait for Application Review

1. Application Review: The NBC will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements.
2. Inspection and Testing: The NBC may conduct an inspection and testing of your equipment to ensure it meets the technical standards.

Step 6: Obtain License Approval

1. License Approval: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a license approval letter from the NBC.
2. License Fee: Pay the required license fee, which varies depending on the type of license.

Step 7: Commence Broadcasting

1. Commence Broadcasting: Once you’ve received your license approval and paid the license fee, you can commence broadcasting.
2. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure you comply with the NBC’s regulations and guidelines to avoid penalties or license revocation.

License Fee Schedule for Broadcasting in Nigeria

After obtaining a broadcast license, companies must pay a license fee for an initial five-year term, subject to renewal. The license fee structure is as follows:

Category A: FCT, Lagos, and Port Harcourt

1. Radio: ₦20 million
2. Terrestrial TV: ₦15 million
3. Cable: ₦10 million

Category B: All Other States

1. Radio: ₦15 million
2. Terrestrial TV: ₦11.25 million
3. Cable: ₦7.5 million

Public/Government Stations

1. Five-year license: ₦5 million
2. Annual fee per channel: ₦1 million

Renewal Fees

1. Cable-Satellite Television (MMDS):
2. Category A: ₦5 million for five years
3. Category B: ₦4 million for five years
4. Direct Broadcast Satellite (Single Channel):
5. New and renewal: ₦10 million for five years
6. Direct-to-Home (DTH) (Multichannel):
7. New: ₦25 million for five years
8. Renewal: ₦50 million for five years (effective May 19, 2005)

Other Fees

1. Dealer (Wholesaler): ₦120,000 per annum
2. Importer (Wholesaler): ₦120,000 per annum
3. Retailer: ₦30,000 per annum
4. Application form: ₦50,000 per set

Conclusion

Remember to consult with the NBC and/or a qualified broadcast consultant or media law expert to ensure you follow the correct procedures and meet all requirements.

By Deborah Ogedengbe for Adeola Oyinlade & Co.

Adeola Oyinlade & Co. is a leading Corporate and Commercial full-service law firm in Nigeria offering advisory services to both local and foreign clients in the media sector of Nigeria.

To see our service offerings, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.adeolaoyinlade.com

Mobile: +234 803 826 7683 / +234 802 686 0247

Introduction

All pharmaceutical products must be registered with NAFDAC before they can be manufactured, imported, exported, advertised, sold, distributed, or used in Nigeria. Registration must be in accordance with the NAFDAC Act, related legislation, and the applicable guidelines.

The NAFDAC registration process guarantees that all drug products, whether for human or veterinary use, meet stringent regulations and are safe for consumption in Nigeria. This Article outlines the steps to successfully register your products with NAFDAC.

Step 1: Complete the NAFDAC Online Registration Form

To initiate the registration process, the applicant shall purchase, fill out, and print the online registration form available on the NAFDAC website and ensure that the following required information:

1. Manufacturer Information: Company name, Factory address, contact details and Airport proximity (for imported products)
2. Company Tax Identification Number (for Nigerian companies)
3. Applicant Details: Qualifications, Job title and Warehouse address
4. Drug Product Information: Product specifics, Number of drug products and Key staff involved

Please Note:

– Each drug product requires a separate registration form.

– For imported drugs, a dossier of the product must be submitted for preliminary screening.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Compile the following documents to support your application:

1. Address the application letter to: The Director-General, NAFDAC BUT Attention: The Director, Drugs Registration and Regulatory Affairs Directorate (This ensures that your application reaches the correct department and personnel within NAFDAC, facilitating a smoother registration process)

2. Certificate of Incorporation: Obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission in Nigeria.

3. Power of Attorney (POA): Notarized in the country of manufacture for foreign companies, confirming brand ownership.

4. Trademark Certificate: Registered under Class 5 for pharmaceuticals, covering the drug’s brand name or trademark.

5. Superintendent Pharmacist License: This is required for both human and veterinary drugs.

6. Current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate: Mandatory for local production lines.

7. Product Label Artwork: Must adhere to NAFDAC’s labeling requirements.

Step 3: Facility Inspection and Compliance Assessment

NAFDAC will conduct a facility inspection to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Applicants must provide advance notice and submit details, including the factory’s address and product information.

Step 4: Label Review and Approval

NAFDAC will review product labels to ensure they meet regulatory standards. Once approved, a permit will be issued for importing registration samples, applicable to imported drugs.

Step 5: Laboratory Testing and Quality Verification

Submit product samples along with evidence of payment of processing fee, Certificate of Analysis and a copy of permit to import registration samples for laboratory testing. This step verifies the product’s quality and ensures safety standards are met.

Step 6: Final Registration Approval and Certificate Issuance

After successful document review, facility inspection, and laboratory testing, NAFDAC’s Food and Drug Registration Committee (FDRC) will issue a unique registration number and a Certificate of Product Registration. This Certification enables importers to bring their products into Nigeria in large quantities. To avoid importation delays, it is essential that all imported products are properly labeled.

The Certificate of Registration is valid for five years and is renewable upon expiration.

NAFDAC Labeling Requirements for Drug Products

Drug product labels must be in English and include the following essential information:

1. Product Name: Both brand and generic names.
2. Manufacturer Information: Name and Full address.
3. NAFDAC Registration Number: To be included once issued.
4. Batch, Manufacturing, and Expiry Dates
5. Dosage and Usage Instructions: For Over the Counter (OTC) drugs.
6. Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)
7. Prescribing Information: For prescription-only medicines.
8. Net Content and Active Ingredients
9. Warnings and Storage Conditions: Critical for ensuring safety
10. Veterinary Drug Withdrawal Period.

Clinical Trials for New Drugs

For new drugs, NAFDAC mandates clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Clinical Trials are therefore, necessary for testing or studying a drug or medical device to see if it is a safe and effective treatment for people, usually following clinical research. NAFDAC has strict rules that govern how clinical trials are conducted. These rules are designed to ensure the safety of those who participate.

What Documents are Needed for Clinical Trials in Nigeria?

1. Clinical Trial Application Form (CTAF): This must be filled and submitted online and is available on the NAFDAC website.
2. Study Protocol showing the detailed plan of the clinical trial.
3. Informed Consent Form (ICF): A document that explains the trial to participants and obtains their consent.
4. Patient Information Leaflet (PIL): Information for participants about the study.
5. Investigator’s Brochure (IB): Contains relevant clinical and non-clinical data on the investigational product.
6. Evidence of Agreement: Between the sponsor and the investigator.
7. Ethics Committee Approval: From accredited institutions and a list of committee members.
8. Investigator’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) and evidence of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training.
9. Insurance Cover: For participants.
10. Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) details and financial disclosures.

Step 7

Following a successful laboratory analysis of the products, the Food and Drug Registration Committee (FDRC) will review the dossier, GMP inspection results, and laboratory analysis. Upon approval, an electronic Certificate of Product Registration or Listing is issued. A Certificate of Product Registration is valid for 5 years and renewable subsequently.

How Much Does It Cost to Register Drugs or Pharmaceutical Products in Nigeria?

Below is a breakdown of the government Charges applicable for product registration:

1. Facility Inspection (Per Line for Local Facilities) –
2. Pre-Production: Small Scale N50,000.00
3. Pre-Production: Medium/Large Scale N70,000.00
4. Production: Medium/Large Scale (Renewable yearly) N170,000.00

Per Site for Foreign — $10,989.01

1. Port Inspections
2. Donated Drugs – N37,500.00
3. Registered Orphan Drugs/Antiretrovirals/ Vaccines – N13,500.00
4. Registered Over the Counter Drugs – N148,500.00
5. Registered Prescription Only Medicines – N40,000
6. Application Form – N2500.00
7. Clinical Trials
8. Application Fee
9. Industry Sponsored/Locally-developed IMP – N250,000.00
10. Industry Sponsored/Imported IMP — $1923.00
11. Academic Trials (Individual Self-Funded/local) – N50,000.00

(Institutional Grant Aided) – N300,000.00

1. Extension of Study (Locally Developed IMP) – N350,000.00

(Imported IMP) – $2,747.25

(Academic Trials) – N20,000.00

1. Inspections
2. Institutional Grant Aided (Academic Trials) – N300,000.00
3. Additional Site (Locally developed IMP) – N150,000.00

(Imported IMP) — $415.00

(Academic Trials) – N150,000.0

NAFDAC Registration: Essential Steps and Recommendations

To ensure a successful NAFDAC registration, keep the following key takeaways and actions in mind:

1. Accuracy Matters: Ensure all submitted documents are up-to-date, accurate, and meet NAFDAC’s standards.
2. Plan Ahead: Factor in NAFDAC’s estimated 6–12-month registration timeline.
3. Clinical Trials: Allocate an additional 2-3 months for clinical trial approvals for new drugs.
4. Compliance is Key: Avoid common misconceptions, such as assuming local facilities are exempt from inspections or neglecting label standards.

By following these guidelines and adhering to NAFDAC’s requirements, you can successfully register your pharmaceutical product and enter the Nigerian market.

Key Takeaways and Actions for NAFDAC Registration

Registering a pharmaceutical product with NAFDAC requires careful planning and adherence to regulations. To ensure a smooth process, consider the following recommendations:

1. Ensure Document Accuracy: Verify that all submitted documents are up-to-date, accurate, and meet NAFDAC’s standards.
2. Plan for Timely Application: Factor in NAFDAC’s estimated 6-12 month registration timeline.
3. Allow Time for Clinical Trials: For new drugs, allocate an additional 2-3 months for clinical trial approvals.

Common Misconceptions to Avoid

1. Local Facility Exemption: All manufacturers, local or foreign, are subject to NAFDAC’s facility inspections.
2. Neglecting Label Standards: Ensure drug labels meet NAFDAC’s strict requirements, including accurate product information and storage instructions.

CONCLUSION

By following these guidelines and adhering to NAFDAC’s requirements, you can successfully register your pharmaceutical product and enter the Nigerian market.

Note: The content of this article is anticipated to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstance.

By Deborah Ogedengbe for Adeola Oyinlade & Co.

Adeola Oyinlade & Co. is a leading Corporate and Commercial full-service law firm in Nigeria offering advisory services to both local and foreign clients on products registration with NAFDAC in Nigeria.

To see our service offerings, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.adeolaoyinlade.com

Mobile: +234 803 826 7683 / +234 802 686 0247

What is Tenancy law?

Response– Tenancy law regulates the landlord-tenant relationship. The law aims to provide a legal framework for the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants, and to help address common issues that arise in tenancy agreements.

Tenancy laws differ from state to state, it is vital to understand the specific regulations in your area to ensure compliance and avoid potential disputes.

What are the various categories of Tenancy?

Response-

1. Fixed Term Tenancy: A tenancy agreement for a specific period, usually 1-3 years.
2. Periodic Tenancy: A tenancy agreement with no fixed end date, usually month-to-month or year-to-year. This is the most common category of tenancy in Nigeria.
3. Tenancy at Will: A tenancy agreement where the landlord can terminate the tenancy at any time, usually with short notice.
4. Tenancy-at-Sufferance- This category of tenancy is created when a tenant holds over the premises beyond the duration or term of his tenancy/lease.
5. Statutory Tenancy- This category of tenancy is created in favour of a tenant by operation of statute e.g. the Lagos Tenancy Law 2011. Thus, a statutory tenant is an occupier who, after the expiration of contractual lease, retains possession of the demised premises against the wishes of the landlord.

What are the Rights available to a Landlord and Tenants under the Tenancy Law in Nigeria?

Response- For Landlord

1. Right to Collect Rent:
2. Right to Terminate the Tenancy with Notice
3. Right to Repossess Property
4. Right to Access Property for Maintenance
5. Right to Lawful Eviction

 Rights of Tenants

1. Right to Privacy
2. Right to be issued payment receipt
3. Right to a Comfortable Living Environment
4. Right to Proper Notice
5. Protection against arbitrary rent hikes
6. Right to Security Deposit Refund
7. Right to Peaceful Enjoyment
8. Protection against excessive advance rent demands
9. Compensation for improvements

 How to evict a tenant legally?

Response– As outlined in the law, landlords and tenants must adhere to specific notice periods when terminating a lease, depending on the length of the rental period. This ensures that tenants are treated fairly and that both parties have a clear understanding of their obligations regarding the property.

Valid reasons for termination include non-payment of rent, breach of tenancy agreement, and the landlord’s need to occupy or renovate the property. The law prohibits ‘self-help’ evictions and requires landlords to obtain a court order for eviction

To evict a tenant follow these steps to ensure compliance with the law-

1. Issue a Notice to Quit- The Tenancy Law requires a minimum one-month notice period for weekly or monthly tenancies and six months’ notice for yearly tenancies
2. Issue a Seven-Day Owner’s Intention to Recover Possession- If the tenant refuses to vacate the premises after the Notice to Quit expires. This notice informs the tenant that legal action will be taken if they do not vacate within seven days.
3. Obtain a Court Order for Eviction – If the tenant still refuses to leave after the Seven-Day Notice, the landlord must file a case in court. This is an important step as self-help (i.e., forcibly evicting the tenant without a court order) is illegal and can lead to criminal charges.
4. Once a Warrant of Possession is granted by the Court- Court bailiffs, will oversee the eviction to ensure it is conducted legally. The landlord should not attempt to evict the tenant without the presence of a court bailiff.

Conclusion

In conclusion understanding Nigeria’s tenancy laws is vital for landlords and tenants. Knowing your rights and responsibilities helps prevent disputes and ensures a smooth rental experience.

Note: The content of this article is anticipated to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstance.

Written by Deborah Ogedengbe for Adeola Oyinlade & Co.

Adeola Oyinlade & Co. is a leading full-service law firm in Nigeria providing competent, innovative, cost-effective, and well-timed responsive services. The firm offers a variety of legal services including real estate advisory to a vast range of national and foreign clients.

To see our service offerings, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.adeolaoyinlade.com

Telephone: +234 803 826 7683 / +234 802 686 0247