Best Structured Finance Lawyers in Igando

How structured finance works for businesses in Igando

Structured finance arranges funding around particular assets, receivables, cash flows or projects rather than relying only on a standard unsecured loan. In Igando, a transaction may involve a local business, a lender or investors, and assets or income generated in Lagos or elsewhere in Nigeria.

Common structures include financing secured against equipment or stock, receivables-backed funding, property-backed facilities, leasing and project finance. The documents must match the actual transaction, identify who owns and controls the assets, and explain how payments and enforcement will work.

Igando has no separate structured-finance regime. Federal company, securities and movable-collateral rules apply alongside Lagos processes for matters such as land documentation and registration. The appropriate steps depend on the asset, the parties and whether funding is privately arranged or offered to investors.

When you may need a structured-finance lawyer in Igando

• Your business needs funding secured against equipment, vehicles, inventory or receivables, and you need the security documents and registration handled correctly.

• A lender is financing a warehouse, commercial property or other Lagos asset and needs checks on title, required consent, valuation and enforceable security.

• You are pooling loans or receivables for investors and need advice on the transaction structure, disclosures, cash-flow controls and any securities regulation.

• A proposed facility includes a special-purpose company, several lenders, guarantees or payment priorities that must work together across multiple documents.

• A borrower or lender disputes whether collateral was properly created, registered or ranked ahead of another creditor.

• You are renegotiating a distressed facility and need to assess enforcement rights, repayment priorities or a restructuring before signing new terms.

Key Nigerian laws affecting structured finance in Igando

The Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, signed into law on 7 August 2020, governs company matters including registration and company charges. A company borrowing against assets may need filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission; the correct filing depends on the transaction and security.

The Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act 2017, assented to on 30 May 2017, provides a framework for security interests in movable assets and the National Collateral Registry. It is relevant to transactions involving assets such as equipment, vehicles, inventory and receivables.

The Land Use Act 1978 governs land rights in Nigeria, including in Lagos. A mortgage or transfer involving a statutory right of occupancy may require the Governor’s consent, so land security needs appropriate title and consent checks.

Frequently asked questions

What does a structured-finance lawyer do?

The lawyer reviews the funding proposal, selects and documents a suitable legal structure, and checks the security and payment arrangements. They may also coordinate registrations, consents and regulatory advice with other transaction professionals.

Is structured finance available to a small business in Igando?

There is no general rule limiting structured finance to large companies. A lender will assess the business, assets or receivables, repayment prospects and transaction costs before deciding whether to proceed.

What assets can support a structured-finance transaction?

Depending on the structure, security may cover movable assets, receivables or land interests. Ownership, existing security, asset value and any required registration or consent affect whether an asset is suitable.

Do I need a lawyer for an ordinary secured business loan?

Legal advice is useful when the facility includes asset security, guarantees, multiple lenders or conditions tied to land or company filings. A lawyer can explain the obligations and check that required documents and registrations are consistent.

How is structured finance different from a standard business loan?

A standard loan commonly relies on the borrower’s general credit and repayment promise. Structured finance is designed around identified assets, cash flows or a specific project, with documents allocating payment and security rights.

Does a property mortgage in Igando need government consent?

A mortgage involving a statutory right of occupancy may require the Governor’s consent under the Land Use Act. Title, the type of land interest and Lagos processing requirements should be checked before completion.

Where are security interests in movable assets registered?

The National Collateral Registry is Nigeria’s registry for security interests in movable assets under the relevant framework. Company charges may also require filing with the Corporate Affairs Commission, depending on the chargor and transaction.

How much does a structured-finance lawyer cost?

There is no single official fee for this work. Ask for a written estimate separating professional fees, searches, filing charges, taxes and other disbursements; complexity and transaction value can affect the quote.

How long does it take to complete a structured-finance transaction?

Timing depends on due diligence, document negotiation, approvals and registrations. A straightforward transaction may take weeks, while title issues, multiple parties or regulatory requirements can extend the process.

Does a private funding arrangement need Securities and Exchange Commission approval?

Not every private loan or asset-backed arrangement requires the same regulatory steps. If interests are offered to investors or securities are issued, obtain advice on whether registration, approval or an exemption applies.

What should I bring to an initial consultation?

Bring the proposed term sheet, company details, financial and repayment information, and records for the relevant assets or receivables. Include existing loan and security documents so the lawyer can identify prior commitments.

Official resources

• Corporate Affairs Commission: Handles company registration and statutory company filings, including relevant charge filings. Its records can help confirm a company’s status and filings.

• Central Bank of Nigeria National Collateral Registry: Provides the registry for security interests in movable assets. A lawyer can advise on searches and registrations for a particular transaction.

• Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria: Regulates Nigeria’s capital market. Its rules may be relevant when a structured-finance transaction involves securities or investor offerings.

Next steps to find and hire a lawyer

1. Write a short summary of the funding need, parties, asset or cash flow, proposed amount and intended repayment source. Allow one day to gather the basic facts.

2. Collect the term sheet, company records, asset or land documents, existing loan agreements and any valuation or financial information. Allow one to three days, depending on what is readily available.

3. Shortlist Nigerian legal practitioners who handle commercial finance, secured lending or capital-markets work. Check their current practising status and ask about relevant transaction experience.

4. Arrange an initial consultation and ask how the lawyer would approach structuring, due diligence, registrations, consents and any securities-law questions. Compare written scopes and fee estimates before deciding.

5. Agree the engagement in writing, including responsibilities, fees, disbursements, timelines and who will handle filings or liaise with the lender and other advisers.

6. Have the lawyer review title, company and collateral searches before signing or releasing funds. Confirm that required consents, registrations and completion conditions are addressed in the closing plan.