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News and developments

Goalposts Shift in Compliance: Nigeria's BAT Fine and CAF's Regulatory Penalty Redefine Africa's Competition Law Scene

Setting the New Benchmark in Africa Africa's approach to enforcing competition law is experiencing a transformative shift, highlighted by  the  Federal   Competition  and  Consumer  Protection  Commission  (FCCPC)  of  Nigeria's landmark USD 110  million  fine  on  British  American Tobacco Nigeria  Limited and  affiliated companies (BAT). This penalty is not just a substantial financial imposition; it also indicates that African competition authorities are elevating their enforcement actions to align with international norms of competition law and are placing a heightened emphasis on corporate accountability.
15 January 2025

From Bytes to Heirs: Digital Estate Planning in Wealth Management

Introduction The wealth management landscape keeps evolving because of the growth of technology and digitalization. Assets are no longer confined to traditional forms such as monies in accounts, shares, real property, tangible assets like jewellery. Interestingly, they now encompass digital assets[1], such as personalized online platforms accounts e.g. X account, all contributing to an individual’s overall worth. This article highlights the need for proper integration of digital assets into an individual's estate to facilitate effective management, transfer and preserving both wealth and legacy.
15 January 2025

Hired, Fired, and Outsourced: Nigeria's Employment Maze

Introduction The impact of globalization and trade liberalization on Nigeria’s employment practices cannot be overstated. With the drive for increased profitability and competitiveness, a significant shift is occurring as businesses increasingly turn to labour outsourcing. This model, facilitated by specialized third-party labour contractors,1 is reshaping traditional employment dynamics.2 At the heart of these changes are complex legal considerations, particularly how the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) and the Court of Appeal view manpower outsourcing arrangements. This article delves into these legal nuances, offering insights into recent judicial decisions, international labour standards, regulations, and legal principles that could redefine the terrain for employers and outsourced workers alike.
15 January 2025

Value Added Tax and Digital Services in Nigeria

Introduction Value Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax imposed on the supply of goods and services. Historically, this supply of goods and services involved physical exchanges in specific locations known as markets, where the identities of the transaction parties were also disclosed.
15 January 2025

Big Apple, Big Rules: The Abuse of Dominance Dilemma

Inside Apple's App Store: Control, Controversy, and Compliance On 4 March 2024, the European Commission (EC) fined Apple more than €1.8 billion for breaching EU competition laws through its App Store practices. The EC found that Apple's dominant position in the market for distributing music streaming apps on iOS devices was exploited by implementing restrictions that prevented app developers from informing users about alternative, less costly subscription options available outside the App Store.
15 January 2025
SimmonsCooper Partners