Building a successful business in Nigeria requires more than good ideas and capital—it requires a solid legal foundation. Many businesses encounter serious challenges not because their services are poor, but because legal issues were ignored at critical stages. These issues often surface when it is already costly to fix them.
This article examines the most common legal pitfalls facing Nigerian businesses, including failure to properly register business entities, operating without clear contracts, and ignoring regulatory obligations. It also discusses how weak corporate governance and lack of legal structure can expose businesses to disputes, penalties, and operational setbacks. Readers are guided on proactive steps business owners can take to protect their ventures through proper legal planning.