Software Developer Contractor Agreement for Nigeria

Software Developer Contractor Agreement Template for Nigeria

A comprehensive legal agreement governed by Nigerian law that establishes and regulates the relationship between a client and a software developer operating as an independent contractor. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the engagement, including scope of services, intellectual property rights, compensation, confidentiality obligations, and compliance with Nigerian regulations including the Labour Act and Data Protection Regulation. It provides essential protections for both parties while ensuring clarity in deliverables, payment terms, and professional expectations within the Nigerian legal framework.

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What is a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

The Software Developer Contractor Agreement is essential for businesses in Nigeria engaging independent software developers for specific projects or ongoing development work. This document is crucial in today's digital economy where companies increasingly rely on external technical expertise while managing legal and operational risks. The agreement, governed by Nigerian law, clearly defines the contractor relationship to avoid misclassification under the Labour Act, protects intellectual property rights under Nigerian Copyright law, ensures compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, and addresses tax implications for both parties. It's particularly relevant for projects requiring specialized software development skills without the commitment of full-time employment, providing both parties with clear terms for service delivery, payment, and project expectations.

What sections should be included in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies the contracting parties - the client company and the software developer contractor

2. Background: Explains the context of the agreement and the parties' intentions

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Scope of Services: Details the software development services to be provided by the contractor

5. Term and Termination: Specifies the duration of the agreement and conditions for termination

6. Compensation and Payment Terms: Outlines the payment structure, rates, and payment schedule

7. Independent Contractor Relationship: Clearly establishes the contractor's status as an independent contractor, not an employee

8. Intellectual Property Rights: Addresses ownership and transfer of IP rights in developed software

9. Confidentiality: Defines confidential information and obligations to maintain confidentiality

10. Data Protection and Privacy: Ensures compliance with Nigerian Data Protection Regulation requirements

11. Warranties and Representations: States the contractor's warranties regarding their services and capabilities

12. Limitation of Liability: Sets boundaries on the contractor's liability

13. Dispute Resolution: Specifies procedures for resolving disputes between parties

14. Governing Law: Establishes Nigerian law as the governing law of the agreement

15. General Provisions: Includes standard boilerplate clauses like notices, assignment, and severability

What sections are optional to include in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Non-Compete: Restricts the contractor from working with competitors - optional based on business sensitivity

2. Performance Metrics: Establishes specific KPIs and performance standards - useful for longer-term projects

3. Equipment and Resources: Specifies who provides development tools and resources - needed if company provides equipment

4. Insurance Requirements: Details required insurance coverage - relevant for larger projects or high-risk work

5. Source Code Escrow: Arrangements for source code protection - important for business-critical applications

6. Training and Knowledge Transfer: Obligations for training client staff - relevant when knowledge transfer is required

7. Acceptance Testing: Detailed testing and acceptance procedures - important for complex deliverables

8. Change Control: Process for managing changes to scope - useful for longer or complex projects

What schedules should be included in a Software Developer Contractor Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Services Description: Detailed technical specifications and requirements for the software development work

2. Schedule B - Payment Schedule: Detailed breakdown of payment terms, milestones, and rates

3. Schedule C - Project Timeline: Specific project milestones and delivery dates

4. Schedule D - Technical Requirements: Detailed technical specifications, including programming languages and platforms

5. Schedule E - Security Requirements: Specific security standards and protocols to be followed

6. Appendix 1 - Code Documentation Standards: Standards for code documentation and commenting

7. Appendix 2 - Testing Procedures: Detailed testing requirements and acceptance criteria

8. Appendix 3 - Compliance Requirements: Specific regulatory or compliance requirements applicable to the project

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

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Technology

Information Technology

Software Development

E-commerce

Financial Services

Healthcare

Education

Telecommunications

Digital Media

Professional Services

Government

Manufacturing

Retail

Relevant Teams

Legal

Human Resources

Information Technology

Software Development

Procurement

Operations

Finance

Compliance

Project Management Office

Technical Operations

Relevant Roles

Chief Technology Officer

IT Director

Software Development Manager

Project Manager

Technical Lead

Software Developer

Contract Manager

Procurement Manager

Legal Counsel

HR Director

Operations Manager

Chief Information Officer

Technical Recruiter

Development Team Lead

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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