Protecting Widows’ Rights in Nigeria: A Review of Relevant Laws

In Nigeria, widowhood often presents not just an emotional and psychological burden but also a legal and socio-economic one. Widows frequently face discriminatory practices that deprive them of their rights to inheritance, property, and even personal dignity. These practices, deeply rooted in cultural and traditional norms, persist despite legal frameworks aimed at protecting the rights…

Divorce Process in Nigeria (Dissolution of Marriage)

Marriage is the socially, culturally and legally recognized union of two persons. However, there are often times when this harmonious union ceases, leading to either party seeking to dissolve the marriage and bring all matrimonial relationships and connections to an end. Grounds on which a Divorce Petition can be Filed Within the Nigerian legal jurisdiction,…

Surrogacy and Adoption: Legal or Not?

Surrogacy and adoption are alternatives available to individuals who are unable to bear children of their own. In addition to childlessness, many people adopt simply to give a home and family to children who might not otherwise have them, or to relieve parents who are unable to take care of their child.  What is Surrogacy? Surrogacy is the practice…

Purchase of Property as a Married Couple

It is not uncommon for a married couple to want to purchase property jointly as husband and wife. In fact, some consider it ideal. Even though they may have properties to their individual names, they may want to acquire some as a couple, maybe their matrimonial home, maybe for financial security in the event that…

Are You Legally Married Under Nigerian Law?

Did you know that many localities in contemporary Nigeria still construe a valid marriage to mean the living together of a man and a women with the ultimate objective of procreation? Quite a misconception, as such relationship is but mere Cohabitation in the eyes of the law, regardless of the duration, or the number of…

Can A Child Own Property in Nigeria?

I heard once, on television, of a child of a celebrity in America who was less than 10 years old and had an estate worth millions in her name. Of course, she wasn’t the youngest business mogul in the world, her parents probably acquired the properties for her but they were in her name, they…