Chifel Legal Consult

05/12/2025

5 WAYS YO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

December is here again with Christmas lights everywhere, family gatherings, parties, church events, shopping, travelling…
And in all the excitement, children are usually the most vulnerable without anyone noticing.

The festive season is beautiful, but it also comes with real risks for children.
And the law takes child protection seriously.

Here are 5 simple but crucial ways to keep children safe while staying compliant with the law:

1. Don’t Leave Children Unsupervised at Events.

Crowded places increase the risk of a child wandering off or being taken advantage of.
Even “just a minute” is enough for danger to happen.

The law sees lack of supervision as neglect, even if unintentional.

2. Be Careful With “Family Friends” or Sleepovers.

Children are often abused by people they already know.
If your child is going anywhere, ensure:
*You trust the home
*You know the adults present
*Clear boundaries are set
*The child knows they can call you at any time

3. Not every errand is Child-Appropriate.

December comes with plenty of activities: market runs, heavy shopping bags, carrying goods, rushing through busy streets and buses.
But many Nigerian parents forget that not every errand is for a child.
Yes, children can be sent on errands. It’s part of growing up and learning responsibility.
If an errand is stressful, risky, involves heavy loads, crossing major roads, or entering crowded markets alone, then that errand is for an adult, not a child.
Let children enjoy the season safely. Their protection is more important than any task.

4. Avoid posting other people’s children without consent.

Even for your own child, hide school uniforms, locations, and personal details.
A child has the right to privacy, and posting them carelessly exposes them to cyber threats. Watch What You Post Online.

5. Discipline Should Not Become Abuse

During gatherings, it’s common for relatives to “discipline” children roughly.
But beating, shaming, humiliating, or pushing a child is a violation of their dignity.
You can correct a child without damaging their confidence or violating their rights.

This December, let’s enjoy the celebrations but let’s do it with intention and awareness and may every child under our care be safe, happy, and well-protected.

01/12/2025

It's the last month of the year.
Don't rush, don't panic.
You survived eleven months, December will be kinder, brighter, and more aligned with your prayers🙏

28/11/2025

You made it through the week.
Take a breath, appreciate how far you've come, and keep going.

Chifel Legal Consult

26/11/2025

Many people think registering a company is just “bring your details and let’s register it.”

When you sit with a lawyer or a CAC-accredited professional, there are important issues that MUST be discussed.
And if you’re not aware ahead of time, some things may surprise or disappoint you.

Here are 4 things you should understand BEFORE approaching a professional to register your business:

1️⃣ Your Preferred Business Name May Not Be Approved.
Even if the name is unique to you, CAC may reject it for similarity, restrictions, or compliance rules.
So when your lawyer suggests alternatives, it's not to frustrate you, it’s to ensure approval.

2️⃣ You May Not Get the Business Structure You Initially Wanted.
Some people come asking for an enterprise when their goals require a limited liability company, or vice versa.
Your lawyer will advise the best structure for your future plans, taxation, and liability.

3️⃣ Your Details Must Be Accurate and Verifiable.
Professionals will insist on correct BVN names, addresses, DOB, and identification.
This is to prevent delays, or unnecessary corrections.

4️⃣ Finally, registration Does NOT End the Process.
After incorporation, you still need:
• Annual returns
• Tax registration
• Proper record keeping
Many people don’t know this and assume registration alone is enough.
Missing these can make your Company inactive or attract penalties.

Bottom Line:
When a lawyer or professional explains these things, they are not complicating the process.
They are guiding you so your company is done RIGHT, not rushed, not rejected, not problematic in the future.

When you go into the process informed and prepared, you’ll get the best results with less stress.

24/11/2025

20/11/2025

Today, let’s be reminded that “spare the rod and spoil the child” does not mean a child should be tortured or subjected to inhumane punishment.
Discipline is allowed, but violence is not.

Every Nigerian child has a right to dignity, safety, and protection under the Child Rights Act.

19/11/2025

These past days have been heavy; from the abduction of innocent school children to violent attacks on communities, homes and even places of worship.

May healing find every heart touched by these tragedies🙇.

17/11/2025

A Business Name registration is usually the most ideal for small or sole-owner ventures. A Business Name works best when you're starting small, or running a one-person operation.

However, it is important to understand that when you register a Business Name, you and the business are legally the same. This means that any debts or liabilities fall directly on you as the owner.

On the other hand, a Company is a separate legal entity, distinct from the individuals who own or manage it. A company can own property, enter contracts, sue or be sued in its own name. More importantly, it offers limited liability, protecting your personal assets if the business faces financial or legal challenges.

Between these two, when you think of growth, investors, partners, or credibility with bigger clients, a Company registration offers stronger legal structure, professionalism, and security.

A Business Name identifies you as a trader while a Company establishes you as a separate, structured business.

Which are you going for today?🤔

In our next post we'll talk about Company Limited by Guarantee; because sometimes growth isn't all about making profit but impact.

10/11/2025

“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒈𝒐 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔. 𝑾𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒂𝒘, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐 𝒅𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒅.”

______Regina Daniels

In Nigeria, ending a marriage isn’t as simple as moving out or making a public statement.

If it’s a customary marriage, the return of bride price is more than a cultural gesture it’s often the legal proof that the marriage is truly dissolved.

Skipping that step might mean that, legally, you’re still married even if you’ve both moved on.

Do not assume, talk to a Lawyer today.

05/11/2025

𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐑𝐄 𝐀 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒👇🏽

So, something funny (and a bit sad) happened in my compound yesterday.
This elderly man came by to see my landlord. Apparently, he’s also his tenant at another property. At first, the conversation was calm — very calm actually. The man explained how much rent he had paid, even mentioned the exact dates. My landlord called someone to confirm, and it seemed like everything was fine…

Until it wasn’t. 😅

Next thing, they started talking about who owed who, the repairs the man did, and how many months were left. All of a sudden, voices went up, tempers flared — and before we knew it, my landlord told him to leave the compound.

I just sat there thinking, “Wait… how do you rent out a house without a written agreement?” 🤦🏽‍♀️

The old man kept explaining himself, but let’s be honest — what’s the use of all that talk without evidence? And then, as expected, came the classic line:

“My lawyer will write you. We’ll meet in court.” 😂

At that point, I couldn’t help but laugh a little. Because, isn’t it funny how people only remember they need a lawyer when things have already gone south?

Here’s the truth though — you don’t get a lawyer just to fight for you, you get one to protect you from future wahala.

So please, before you move into that new apartment or rent yours out, get a proper tenancy agreement. Let a lawyer help you draft it. It’ll save you plenty of stress, arguments, and “we’ll meet in court” moments.

👉🏽Now, have you ever had a landlord or tenant issue because there was no written agreement? I’d love to hear your story — drop it in the comments. Someone could learn from your experience.

15/10/2025

Let’s Clarify This… 😂

Someone reached out to me recently to help register a business name with the CAC — nothing unusual.

But then… she sent me her baby’s picture and NIN as the one of the proprietors!

Yes, her baby. 👶🏾😂

As funny as it sounds, it’s a good moment to educate:

Under Nigerian law, a child CANNOT register a business or be listed as a business owner.*
You must be at least 18 years old to register a business name or company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

If you’re thinking of building something in your child’s name, there are smarter legal ways to do that like setting up a trust or holding shares on their behalf but a baby can’t own a business. At least not officially.

Stay legally informed and do things right.

Chinenye Idim

Chifel Legal Consult

15/10/2025

Chifel Legal Consult is looking for a new wig in Calabar who’s hungry to grow and ready to learn.

This is a hybrid role that can transition into a fully remote position depending on how quickly you adapt and deliver.

Requirements:
-Must be called to the Bar
-Dedicated and committed to growth
- Quick to learn and proactive

Stipend:₦50,000 monthly

P.S.You’re allowed to work for other law firms or take on side jobs as long as you deliver when needed.

If you're interested, kindly send your application to [email protected]

Chinenye Idim