Constructing Appropriate Business Structures and Legal Risk Issues to Be Considered by Nigerian Information Technology (IT) Firms Looking to Set Up in Other Countries

Abstract

This document highlights corporate structures and legal risk issues that should be considered by a Nigerian IT firm seeking to expand into foreign target countries. Considering the complexity and divergence in business and legal provisions this brief considers crucial legal risk issues that might impact on expansion plans including; regulatory requirements; corporate structures; governmental barriers; local content requirements; data privacy, protection and security; tax; intellectual property (IP) rights; employment law; quality control; dispute resolution; profit repatriation; and technology transfer regulations. In addition, the suitability of the possible option to a particular project will have to be considered in light of the characteristics of the product to be deployed either as a front-end solution or back-end solution.

Please bear in mind that this document is meant as a guide as countries have different political, regulatory and commercial arrangements. Based on the options suggested in this document, specific models can be designed and adopted for specific target countries.

Keywords: Information technology, IT Firm, Risk, Business entry, Commerce, Expansion, Nigeria

JEL Classification: k10, k20