Debt recovery · Complete guide

How to recover a debt in Nigeria, step by step

Most debts are recovered without a full lawsuit. The route runs from checking the claim, through a formal Letter of Demand, to the Small Claims Court and, if it comes to it, enforcing the judgment. Here is each step, with a guide for each one.

1. Check the claim

Before spending anything, check who owes you, how much, since when and what proof you have. Older debts are subject to time limits, and the amount decides which court can hear the claim. The free debt check takes about a minute and shows how strong the claim looks.

2. Gather your proof

Agreements, invoices, receipts, bank transfers, and WhatsApp or SMS messages where the debt is discussed all count. A message in which the debtor admits owing the money is especially useful. See the mistakes to avoid when recovering a debt.

3. Send a Letter of Demand

A Letter of Demand states the exact amount, a deadline to pay and what happens if the debtor does not. It is the formal demand a Small Claims claim starts from. Read what a Letter of Demand is and what it costs: from ₦10,000, reviewed and signed by a licensed practitioner, with Day 7 and Day 14 follow-ups included.

4. Wait out the response period

In Lagos, the debtor has 14 days to respond to the letter. Many debts are settled at this stage. If you receive a letter yourself, see what happens if it is ignored.

5. File at the Small Claims Court

If the debt is still unpaid, a claim can be filed at the Small Claims Court, which in Lagos hears money claims of up to ₦5,000,000. The procedure is simplified and the filing fee is set by the court. Read how to use the Lagos Small Claims Court, suing for smaller amounts and the Small Claims Court versus the Magistrate Court.

6. Enforce the judgment if needed

A judgment is not the same as being paid. If the debtor still does not pay, the judgment can be enforced through a garnishee order or a writ of execution. See what happens after you win.

Start with the free debt check

Seven quick questions show how strong the claim looks, the next step and what it would cost.

Take the free debt check →

Or start a Letter of Demand now

Debt recovery by state

Debt recovery in Lagos areas

Ikeja · Lagos Island · Victoria Island · Ikoyi · Lekki · Yaba · Apapa · Ikorodu · Badagry · Epe

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