Your Trusted Legal Partner for Business Growth
Investment & Regulatory Compliance in Nigeria
Helping local and international businesses establish, expand and operate successfully through practical legal solutions in Corporate & Commercial Law, Capital Markets, Property Law and Regulatory Compliance.
Supporting Your Business Throughout Every Stage of Growth
From initial incorporation to capital market licensing and ongoing compliance, we partner with clients across the entire business lifecycle.
Practice Areas
Regulatory reach across the agencies that govern business in Nigeria.
CAC & NIPC
Incorporation & Foreign Entry
SEC & CBN
Capital Markets & Financial Licences
NAFDAC & FCCPC
Commercial Regulatory Compliance
Land Registry
Governor's Consent & Title Perfection
From Incorporation to Expansion, Every Business Needs Trusted Counsel.
I. Lawrence Practice is a corporate and commercial law firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. We partner with growth-minded businesses and international investors to deliver clear, practical legal solutions across Corporate & Commercial Law, Capital Markets, Property Law and Regulatory Compliance — so our clients can establish, expand and operate with confidence.
Specialized Legal Solutions Aligned With Commercial Goals
Explore our core commercial practice pillars designed to safeguard investments, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive strategic expansion.
1. Commercial Law & FDI
Supporting businesses from formation and foreign market entry to commercial contracting and M&A transactions.
2. Corporate Governance & Compliance
Building institutional governance systems that satisfy regulatory expectations while fostering sustainable growth.
3. Property & Real Estate Law
Providing complete legal protection throughout the real estate investment, title perfection, and development lifecycle.
4. Capital Market Legal Advisory
Our flagship practice area guiding firms through becoming a licensed Capital Market Operator (CMO) in Nigeria.
10-Step Roadmap to Becoming a Licensed Capital Market Operator in Nigeria
We provide step-by-step legal advisory to guide investment companies, fund managers, and financial institutions through the complete SEC licensing lifecycle.
Understanding Your Business
Business model analysis & regulatory scope mapping
Selecting Licence Type
Selecting Fund Manager, Portfolio Manager, or Issuing House licence
Corporate Structuring
Ensuring minimum share capital compliance & director qualifications
Regulatory Documentation
Form SEC 2, MOA/AOA customization & business plans
Licensing Application
Eligibility assessment & submission to SEC Nigeria
Product Structuring
Mutual Funds, Money Market, Dollar Funds & CIS setup
Product Approval
Trust deeds, client agreements & SEC product approval
Post-Licensing Compliance
Statutory filings, compliance officer oversight & reporting
Regulatory Inspections
Mock compliance reviews & SEC inspection response
Ongoing Advisory
Continuous strategic legal counsel for licensed operators
What Our Clients Say
"I. Lawrence Practice guided our entry into the Nigerian market end to end — incorporation, NIPC registration and regulatory approvals were handled with clarity and speed."
"Structuring and securing our SEC Capital Market Operator licence was seamless. ILP's team handled regulatory inspections and documentation with impressive precision."
"Their property due diligence prevented a high-risk commercial real estate transaction. Thorough title verification and Governor's Consent perfection saved our investment."
Thought Leadership & Legal Guides
Regularly updated knowledge hub demonstrating commercial insight and legal clarity across Nigerian business law.
How to Register a Company in Nigeria
Comprehensive guide to CAC incorporation, shareholder structures, statutory filings, and post-registration compliance.
Foreign Investment Guide & NIPC Licensing
Essential legal roadmap for international investors: market entry, business permits, CERPAC resident permits, and NOTAP tech transfer agreements.
Complete Guide to Becoming a Capital Market Operator in Nigeria
Dedicated 11-part educational series covering SEC licences, minimum capital requirements, corporate structuring, and inspection readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to key questions regarding company incorporation, foreign investment, SEC capital market licensing, and real estate title verification in Nigeria.
Standard company registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) typically takes between 3 to 7 business days, provided all name reservations, director IDs, and statutory filings are complete. For foreign-owned companies requiring NIPC registration and business permits, total setup timelines average 2 to 3 weeks.
Speak With a Lawyer at I. Lawrence Practice
Tell us about your business and the outcome you need. Our team responds to every enquiry with practical next steps.