How Legal Battles Are Undermining Entrepreneurship in Nigeria

Prominent property developer Cecil Osakwe warns that successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria face a hostile legal environment. He says high-value businesses often attract prolonged court cases, repeated adjournments, and criminal charges that derail projects. Osakwe highlights his own ₦300 million dispute in the FCT High Court. He and co-defendants face nine counts including alleged illegal eviction and property damage. Repeated adjournments and prosecutorial reviews have stalled arraignments. Entrepreneurs across real estate, manufacturing and fintech report similar patterns. Civil clashes are recast as criminal matters, leading to reputational harm, mounting fees and abandoned developments as cases drag on. Many argue that these tactics scare away investors and hamper growth. They call for fairer, faster legal processes and stronger project planning to protect enterprise and restore confidence.

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