Few things are more frustrating than a debtor who owes you money but keeps making excuses. “Next week.” “I’m waiting for payment.” “I’ll call you back.” Sound familiar?
In Nigeria, you don’t have to accept this behavior. There are legal steps you can take to recover your money. In this guide, F & B ATTORNEYS explains the debt recovery process in Nigeria.
Step 1: Gather Evidence of the Debt
Before taking any action, gather all evidence proving the debt exists:
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Written agreements or contracts
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Signed loan documents
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Bank transfer receipts
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WhatsApp or email conversations where the debtor admits the debt
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Witness statements if available
Without evidence, you have no case.
Step 2: Issue a Formal Demand Letter
The first legal step is a formal demand letter. This letter is written on our law firm’s letterhead and gives the debtor a deadline – typically 7 to 14 days – to pay or face legal action.
Why a demand letter works:
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It shows you are serious
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It creates a paper trail for court
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Many debtors pay immediately to avoid court
Step 3: Negotiate a Payment Plan
If the debtor cannot pay the full amount at once, we can negotiate a structured payment plan. The debtor signs an agreement to pay in installments. If they default, we proceed to court.
Step 4: File a Court Claim
If the demand letter and negotiation fail, we file a claim at the appropriate High Court – depending on the amount and location. The court will summon the debtor to appear.
Step 5: Obtain Judgment
If the debtor does not defend the case or cannot prove they don’t owe the money, the court will enter judgment in your favor. This means the court officially declares that the debtor must pay.
Step 6: Enforce the Judgment
A court order is useless if not enforced. We help you enforce judgment through:
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Garnishee proceedings – Freezing the debtor’s bank account
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Wage attachment – Deducting from their salary
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Seizure of assets – Taking vehicles, equipment, or property
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Judgment summons – The debtor can be jailed for refusal to pay
How Long Does Debt Recovery Take?
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Demand letter only: 1–2 weeks
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Court action: 3–6 months
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Enforcement: 1–3 months
No Recovery, No Fee Option
For qualified cases, F & B ATTORNEYS offers a success fee arrangement. You pay nothing upfront. We take a percentage of what we recover. If we recover nothing, you pay nothing.
Tips to Prevent Bad Debt
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Always put loan agreements in writing
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Get a guarantor or collateral
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Keep records of all payments
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Act quickly when payment is late – don’t wait months
Need to Recover Money Someone Owes You?
Don’t waste time chasing debtors yourself. Let F & B ATTORNEYS handle it legally, professionally, and fast.
