Mergers and Acquisitions in Nigeria: Advisory and Deal-Readiness Guide

A merger or acquisition begins with a clear commercial purpose: entering a market, adding capacity, acquiring a capability or creating an orderly exit for an owner. A long list of companies does not replace a well-defined acquisition or sale mandate.

Wigmore Trading welcomes business-development and transaction-support enquiries in Nigeria. We can discuss target search, introductions and coordination needs, with the precise advisory scope and any specialist appointments agreed for the engagement. This page does not advertise a verified inventory of businesses for sale or establish a regulated financial-advisory appointment.

Define the mandate

State whether you are a buyer, seller or business owner exploring options. Identify sectors, geography, size, ownership preference, timing and the commercial objective. Distinguish a controlling acquisition from a minority investment, asset purchase, partnership or distribution agreement.

Protect confidentiality from the beginning

Use a non-confidential initial description. Agree disclosure permissions, confidentiality arrangements and access controls before sharing identifiable financial, employee or customer information. An introduction should not imply permission to circulate a company’s documents.

Confirm that a seller or representative has authority to discuss a transaction. For buyers, establish identity, decision-making and funding readiness through an appropriate controlled process.

Separate commercial screening from professional diligence

Early screening can identify strategic fit, operational questions and information gaps. It does not replace legal, accounting, tax, valuation, environmental or technical review by appropriately qualified advisers.

Ask what has actually been checked before relying on labels such as “verified,” “profitable” or “exclusive.” A listing, management claim or signed confidentiality agreement is not proof of asset ownership, earnings or regulatory status.

Plan the approvals pathway

Review the transaction with Nigerian legal and other relevant advisers. The FCCPC merger-review resources and SEC merger guidance are useful starting points for determining applicable processes. Sector-specific requirements may also apply.

Do not assume that an asset transfer, minority stake or foreign-buyer structure avoids all approvals. Requirements depend on the actual facts and transaction; obtain current advice before commitments are made.

Agree the role of each adviser

Define who searches, approaches targets, prepares information, reviews accounts, negotiates and coordinates completion. Establish fees, conflicts, deliverables and exclusions. A business introduction is different from a valuation opinion or regulated transaction service.

For enquiries in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt, identify the operating locations and the required on-site work. National coverage should be established for the actual engagement rather than inferred from a generic consultant description.

Does Wigmore guarantee a buyer or acquisition target?

No. Suitable opportunities, permissions and terms require assessment. No business is presented here as currently available.

How do I start?

Send a non-confidential mandate describing your objectives, sector, size range and timing. The team can discuss the appropriate scope and specialist support required.

Related guides

• Buy a Business in Nigeria: Acquisition Search and Due-Diligence Planning
• Sell Your Business in Nigeria: Confidential Sale and Buyer-Search Planning
• Acquiring Nigerian Businesses by Sector: Licences, Assets and Due Diligence

Updated 2 November 2026. Availability, pricing, documentation and the actual service scope require confirmation for the particular enquiry.