Nigeria, with its diverse cultures and traditions, operates under a complex legal framework designed to regulate various aspects of daily life. While some laws are well-known, there are others that may come as a surprise to many. These Nigerian laws, ranging from obscure traffic regulations to environmental rules and cultural norms, are crucial to understand for anyone living in or visiting Nigeria. Here are three lesser-known Nigerian laws that you should be aware of to avoid legal issues.
1. The NYSC Discharge Certificate Requirement for Employment
Did you know that it is illegal to offer employment to any Nigerian youth without a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate or exemption letter?
According to Section 12 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act, employers are legally obligated to demand and obtain proof of service from any person claiming to have completed their first degree, including a copy of their NYSC Certificate or Exemption Certificate. Failure to present this certificate could result in legal consequences.
Additionally, employers are required to provide these certificates upon request by a police officer of no lower rank than an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
2. Confessing to Witchcraft or Possessing Juju is an Offence
Did you know it is a criminal offense to confess to or represent yourself as someone with witchcraft or the power to use “juju”?
Under Section 210 of the Criminal Code, the following actions are considered offenses:
- Representing yourself as a witch or claiming to possess witchcraft powers.
- Accusing someone else of witchcraft or having the power to use it.
- Making, selling, or possessing juju, charms, or drugs intended to hinder someone’s legal rights or compel them to act against their will.
- Participating in the worship or invocation of any juju prohibited by the President or Governor.
Anyone found guilty of these actions could face a two-year prison sentence.
3. Spraying or Adorning People with Naira Notes is an Offense
Did you know that it is illegal to adorn, decorate, or spray Naira notes or coins on a person or anyone else’s property?
According to Section 21 (5) of the CBN Act, actions such as spraying, scattering, or littering Naira notes or coins—even with good intentions—are prohibited. This includes:
- Adorning, decorating, or spraying Naira notes or coins on a person or part of a person.
- Sprinkling or sticking Naira notes or coins in a similar manner, regardless of the occasion, amount, or intent.
In 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria expanded the list of prohibited actions to include practices such as selling, squeezing, and defacing Naira notes. Even money bouquets are now considered a form of Naira abuse.
