⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Nigeria
In Nigeria you can make a will with a lawyer, through a trust company, with an online will service or from a template. This guide compares the routes and the questions worth asking before you choose one.
Four routes to writing your will
The formal rules for a will in Nigeria come from the law of the state you live in, and customary or Islamic law can limit what a will may pass on. The routes differ mainly in cost and the advice included.
A lawyer
A lawyer can draft a tailored will and advise on family land, customary rules, businesses and assets in more than one state or country. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A trust company
Trust companies prepare wills, often alongside acting as executor, and many store the will for you. Check who drafts the will and what fees apply later when the estate is administered.
Mid cost · Executor and storage services
An online will service
An online will service asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and have witnessed. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs less than a lawyer.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A template or will kit
A blank template or kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. A gift that customary or Islamic law does not allow may fail, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Nigeria?
No. A will can be valid in Nigeria whichever route you use. It generally needs to be in writing, signed by you and witnessed by two people present at the same time. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Can customary law limit what my will can do?
It can. State wills laws generally make a will subject to the customary law that applies to the property, and some customs reserve certain family property for particular heirs. This is one of the common reasons people take advice.
Is an online will valid in Nigeria?
A will made with an online will service can be just as valid as one drafted by a lawyer, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed correctly. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice.
Where should I keep my will in Nigeria?
Many people deposit the will with the Probate Registry of the High Court in their state, which keeps it safe and makes it easy to find. A lawyer or trust company may also store it for you.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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