Nigeria - Lagos Debt Collection Guide
Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in Nigeria - Lagos. Verify local court rules before filing.
Court
Lagos State Small Claims Court
Filing Fee
Check the current Lagos Small Claims Court filing fee schedule
Claim Limit
NGN 5,000,000, excluding interest and costs
Timeline
30-60 days target under the small-claims framework
Filing Instructions
- 1Confirm the claim is a liquidated money demand within the Lagos Small Claims Court limit
- 2Complete the Lagos Small Claims complaint form with supporting evidence
- 3File at the designated Small Claims Registry
- 4The summons is served through the court bailiff
- 5Attend settlement or hearing directions under the Small Claims Practice Direction
Required Forms
- - Small Claims Complaint Form
- - Witness statement or affidavit where required
- - Supporting evidence
Service Rules
The Small Claims Court bailiff serves the summons under the Lagos practice direction.
Legal Basis
Lagos State Magistrates' Courts Law and Small Claims Court Practice Direction
Enforcement Options
- - Judgment summons
- - Writ of fi fa (seizure of goods)
- - Garnishee proceedings
- - Committal for contempt
Important Notes
This is intentionally a Lagos guide, not a national Nigeria guide. Other Nigerian states have separate small-claims rules, registries, and practice directions.
Start with a demand letter
Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.
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