2025

AI and IP: Navigating Authorship & Ownership in Generative Content in Nigeria

As the speed of technological change accelerates across Nigeria’s creative and industrial landscapes, the legal frameworks governing Intellectual Property must evolve to keep pace. At Goldsmiths LLP, we recognize that staying ahead of these shifts is critical for safeguarding your most valuable assets. Let us dive into one of the most pressing strategic challenges facing businesses today: how to secure ownership and mitigate risk when innovation is powered by sophisticated AI. We explore the current uncertainties surrounding authorship and the vital importance of implementing clear internal policies to protect your competitive edge in this new era.

New NDPC Directive on International Data Transfers

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has released the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 to guide the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. This directive focuses on international data transfers, clarifying that data controllers must ensure adequate protection or use approved mechanisms like binding corporate rules before transferring personal data outside Nigeria. It also establishes procedural expectations for maintaining records of transfer mechanisms and responding to NDPC compliance requests.

CBN’s Issues Draft Guidelines on Handling Authorised Push-Payment Fraud

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released an Exposure Draft of the Guidelines for Handling Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud, signalling a major shift in liability and consumer protection across the financial system. The Guidelines mandate that Financial Institutions (FIs), including banks and fintechs, must establish 24/7 reporting channels and adhere to strict timelines: acknowledging complaints within 24 hours, concluding investigations within a maximum of 14 working days, and processing mandatory reimbursements within 48 hours of resolution. The draft places clear accountability on Financial Institutions, making non-compliance a regulatory breach that will attract sanctions for both the institution and responsible individuals. This regulatory action transforms fraud management into a systemic risk that must be overseen by the Financial Institutions (FIs’) Board of Director

NCC’s Enforcement Powers under the Copyright Act (2022)

The Copyright Act 2022 was enacted to modernize legal protections for creative works, specifically within the digital environment. This post highlights the expanded enforcement powers of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).

Nigeria FX Reform and Exchange Rate Unification

Nigeria’s FX landscape is evolving, and understanding these reforms is essential for businesses, investors, and organisations navigating cross-border transactions. We break down the shift to a unified, market-driven exchange-rate system, the introduction of the new FX Code, and what these changes mean for transparency, liquidity, and regulatory compliance

Your Business Must Provide a Privacy Policy That Is Transparent and Easy for People to Understand Under The NDPA

Your Business Must Provide a Privacy Policy That Is Transparent and Easy for People to Understand Under The NDPA. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has released the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 to guide the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. This directive focuses on international data transfers, clarifying that data controllers must ensure adequate protection or use approved mechanisms like binding corporate rules before transferring personal data outside Nigeria. It also establishes procedural expectations for maintaining records of transfer mechanisms and responding to NDPC compliance requests

How IP Works; Protecting your Tech Startup

Every tech startup is built on more than an idea, it’s built on intellectual assets that deserve proper protection. From your codebase to your interface designs, platform name, product architecture, and even your pitch materials, each piece contributes to the value and defensibility of your innovation. Many Nigerian founders are surprised to learn how much of their technology qualifies as protectable IP, and how these rights can strengthen investor confidence, boost valuation, and safeguard long-term growth.

Why Digital Payment Platforms Must Align With CBN Guidelines

Digital payment platforms are at the centre of Nigeria’s evolving financial ecosystem. Whether your business operates a digital wallet, agency banking service, merchant-acquiring model, virtual payment gateway, switching infrastructure, or any combination of these, you are expected to comply with standards issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Did you know that Electronic Signatures are Legally Recognized under Nigerian Law?

Electronic signatures are fully recognised under Nigerian law. The Evidence Act 2011 supports their use in place of handwritten signatures; the Cybercrimes Act 2015 also affirms their validity for a wide range of transactions including commercial contracts, digital forms and online purchases. While many agreements can be concluded electronically, certain documents, such as wills, some family-law instruments and select court filings, may still require traditional execution.

How IP Works; Preventing Idea Theft

Founders often expose their ideas without realising it; sharing concepts without NDAs; relying only on CAC registration; using unregistered brand assets; or failing to document ownership with designers; freelancers or developers. Understanding how IP works is essential to preventing avoidable disputes; strengthening founder control; and protecting long term value in Nigeria’s fast growing startup ecosystem.