Share Option Agreement for Nigeria

Share Option Agreement Template for Nigeria

A Share Option Agreement under Nigerian law is a legally binding contract that grants an individual (typically an employee or consultant) the right to purchase a specified number of shares in a company at a predetermined price within a specified period. The agreement must comply with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, Investment and Securities Act 2007, and relevant SEC regulations. It details the terms of the option grant, including vesting conditions, exercise procedures, and restrictions on transfer, while also addressing tax implications under Nigerian law. This document is crucial for companies looking to attract and retain talent by offering equity-based incentives.

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What is a Share Option Agreement?

The Share Option Agreement is a key document used by Nigerian companies to provide equity incentives to employees, directors, or consultants. It serves as a crucial tool for talent retention and alignment of interests between the company and its key stakeholders. This agreement must be structured in compliance with Nigerian corporate law, particularly CAMA 2020 and securities regulations. It typically follows any existing company share option scheme and should align with the company's articles of association. The document specifies critical elements such as the number of shares subject to the option, exercise price, vesting schedule, and exercise period. It's particularly relevant for start-ups and growing companies in Nigeria looking to conserve cash while offering competitive compensation packages. The agreement needs to address specific Nigerian regulatory requirements, including SEC guidelines and tax implications under local law.

What sections should be included in a Share Option Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the company granting options and the option holder

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the company's share option scheme and purpose

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Option', 'Exercise Price', 'Shares', 'Vesting Period'

4. Grant of Option: Details of the share options being granted, including number of shares and exercise price

5. Exercise Period: Timeframe during which the options may be exercised

6. Vesting Schedule: Timeline and conditions for when options become exercisable

7. Method of Exercise: Process and requirements for exercising the options

8. Payment Terms: Terms for paying the exercise price and handling of tax obligations

9. Termination Provisions: What happens to options upon various termination scenarios

10. Transferability Restrictions: Limitations on transfer or assignment of options

11. Adjustments: Provisions for adjusting options in case of corporate events

12. Governing Law: Specification of Nigerian law as governing law

13. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disputes under the agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Share Option Agreement?

1. Employment Relationship: Required if options are part of employment compensation, clarifying that options don't create employment rights

2. Change of Control Provisions: Include for companies anticipating potential sale or merger

3. Lock-up Period: Include if shares received upon exercise cannot be sold for a certain period

4. Tag-Along Rights: Include if option holders should have right to join in sale of majority shareholders

5. Drag-Along Rights: Include if majority shareholders can force option holders to join in company sale

6. Non-Competition and Confidentiality: Include if option grant is tied to restrictive covenants

What schedules should be included in a Share Option Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Option Certificate: Formal certificate detailing the option grant

2. Schedule 2 - Notice of Exercise: Template form for exercising options

3. Schedule 3 - Vesting Schedule: Detailed breakdown of vesting dates and conditions

4. Schedule 4 - Company's Share Option Plan Rules: Full rules of the share option scheme

5. Schedule 5 - Shareholders' Agreement: Key terms from shareholders' agreement that will apply post-exercise

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Nigeria

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Relevant Industries

Technology

Financial Services

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Telecommunications

Healthcare

Energy

Real Estate

E-commerce

Education

Consulting

Start-ups

Relevant Teams

Legal

Human Resources

Finance

Compliance

Corporate Secretariat

Executive Leadership

Board

Corporate Governance

Compensation & Benefits

Relevant Roles

CEO

CFO

General Counsel

HR Director

Company Secretary

Legal Counsel

HR Manager

Compensation & Benefits Manager

Board Member

Chief Operating Officer

Employee Relations Manager

Talent Acquisition Manager

Finance Manager

Compliance Officer

Corporate Governance Officer

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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