Whether you are preparing a new agreement or about to sign one drafted by another party, involving a lawyer is critical. In Nigeria, many people lose money, property, or business opportunities not because there was no contract, but because the contract was poorly drafted or never properly reviewed.
Hiring a lawyer to draft or review a contract in Nigeria helps ensure your agreement is clear, enforceable, and legally compliant.
What Does It Mean to Draft or Review a Contract?
- Contract Drafting involves preparing a legally binding agreement from scratch, tailored to your transaction.
- Contract Review involves examining an existing contract to identify risks, explain legal consequences, and recommend changes before you sign.
Both services serve one goal: protecting your legal and financial interests.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer to Draft or Review a Contract in Nigeria
1. Enforceability Under Nigerian Law
A lawyer ensures the contract satisfies all legal requirements such as capacity, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and legality. Without these, the contract may fail in court.
2. Risk Identification and Prevention
During review, a lawyer identifies hidden clauses that may expose you to loss, liability, or unfair obligations.
3. Clear Rights and Obligations
Ambiguity is one of the biggest causes of contract disputes. Legal drafting ensures clarity and precision.
4. Compliance with Relevant Laws
Depending on the contract, Nigerian laws such as CAMA, Labour Act, Stamp Duties Act, Copyright Act, or Land Use Act may apply.
Types of Contracts Lawyers Draft and Review in Nigeria
A lawyer can assist with drafting and reviewing:
• Business and partnership agreements
• Employment contracts and HR documents
• Loan and debt recovery agreements
• Property sale and lease agreements
• Service agreements and retainers
• Shareholders’ agreements
• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Entertainment, music, and licensing contracts
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs)
Why Contract Review Is Just as Important as Drafting
Many people assume that once a contract is written, it is safe to sign. This is often not true.
A contract review helps to:
• Detect one-sided or unfair clauses
• Correct vague or contradictory provisions
• Insert dispute resolution and jurisdiction clauses
• Prevent future litigation
In many cases, a simple review saves far more money than the cost of legal fees.
Common Mistakes Made Without a Lawyer
• Using online or foreign contract templates
• Signing without understanding legal implications
• No termination or exit clause
• No remedies for breach
• Failure to stamp the agreement
These mistakes frequently render contracts unenforceable in Nigerian courts.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Draft or Review a Contract in Nigeria?
Legal fees depend on:
• Nature and complexity of the contract
• Transaction value
• Risk exposure
• Whether drafting or review is required
Typical fee ranges:
• Contract review: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
• Simple contract drafting: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000
• Complex commercial agreements: ₦250,000 upwards
Many law firms offer flat-fee arrangements for standard contracts.
What to Expect When You Hire a Lawyer
1. Initial consultation
2. Review of your transaction or existing contract
3. Legal advice and risk assessment
4. Drafting or revision of clauses
5. Execution and guidance
Why Choose Olamide Oyetayo & Co
At Olamide Oyetayo & Co, we provide professional contract drafting and review services for individuals, startups, creatives, and businesses across Nigeria.
Our focus is on:
• Clear, enforceable contracts
• Risk prevention
• Practical legal solutions
• Agreements that stand up in court