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A Letter Before Action is your final warning shot before taking someone to court in Nigeria. It clearly tells the other party what they've done wrong, how much money they owe you (if applicable), and what you want them to do to fix the situation. Lawyers often call this a "demand letter" or "pre-action notice."

Under Nigerian law, sending this letter is more than just good practice - it's often required before filing a lawsuit. It gives the other party a chance to resolve the dispute without going to court, typically setting a 7-14 day deadline for response. Courts look favorably on parties who make genuine efforts to settle disputes through this pre-litigation step.

Send a Letter Before Action when someone owes you money, breaches a contract, or causes you harm and informal attempts to resolve the issue have failed. This formal notice works especially well for recovering business debts, addressing property disputes, or dealing with employment issues in Nigeria.

Time your letter strategically - send it after direct negotiations stall but before filing a lawsuit. Nigerian courts expect to see evidence that you tried to settle things amicably first. The letter creates a paper trail, puts pressure on the other party to respond, and often leads to faster resolution without expensive court battles. Many disputes get resolved within the standard 7-14 day response window.

• Basic Demand Letter: Straightforward claim for payment or specific action, typically used for business debts or contract breaches
• Professional Services Letter: Tailored for disputes over services, including detailed fee breakdowns and quality issues
• Property Dispute Notice: Focuses on real estate matters, lease violations, or boundary disputes common in Nigerian property law
• Employment-Related Notice: Addresses workplace issues like unfair dismissal or benefit claims, citing relevant Nigerian labor laws
• Consumer Complaint Letter: Used for consumer protection issues, often referencing Consumer Protection Council regulations

• Legal Practitioners: Draft and send Letters Before Action on behalf of clients, ensuring compliance with Nigerian court requirements
• Business Owners: Use these letters to recover debts or address contract breaches with suppliers, customers, or partners
• Landlords: Send notices to tenants regarding rent arrears, property damage, or lease violations
• Corporate Organizations: Issue formal demands through their legal departments for various commercial disputes
• Individual Claimants: Send letters personally or through lawyers for personal injury claims, consumer disputes, or employment matters

• Document Evidence: Gather all relevant contracts, invoices, receipts, emails, and communication records related to your claim
• Calculate Amounts: Detail exact figures owed, including interest calculations if applicable under Nigerian law
• Timeline Facts: Create a clear chronology of events leading to the dispute, noting key dates and interactions
• Party Details: Confirm correct legal names, addresses, and contact information for all involved parties
• Legal Basis: Identify specific laws, regulations, or contract terms that support your position
• Resolution Terms: Clearly outline your expected remedy and provide reasonable response deadlines

• Header Information: Your full contact details and the recipient's correct legal name and address
• Clear Subject Line: "Letter Before Action" or "Pre-Action Notice" with reference to the dispute type
• Claim Details: Precise description of the grievance, including dates, amounts, and specific breaches
• Legal Basis: Reference to relevant Nigerian laws, contracts, or obligations that support your claim
• Demand Statement: Clear outline of the required remedy and specific deadline for response
• Consequence Notice: Statement of intended legal action if demands aren't met within the specified timeframe
• Document List: Mention of any supporting evidence or documents attached to the letter

A Letter Before Action often gets confused with a Demand Letter, but they serve distinct purposes in Nigerian legal practice. While both documents request action from another party, their timing, tone, and legal implications differ significantly.

• Legal Status: A Letter Before Action is a formal pre-litigation document required by Nigerian courts, while a Demand Letter is a less formal request that may not meet court prerequisites
• Timing: Letters Before Action are sent as a final step before court proceedings, whereas Demand Letters often serve as an initial communication attempt
• Content Requirements: Letters Before Action must include specific legal elements and deadlines recognized by Nigerian courts, while Demand Letters can be more flexible in format and content
• Consequences: Letters Before Action explicitly state the intention to commence legal proceedings, while Demand Letters might focus more on negotiation and resolution