No one wants to think about dying, but if you left this world tomorrow without a will, the impact on your loved ones can be painful. In Nigeria, failing to create a proper will or trust means your assets could be tied up or divided in ways you never intended. Let’s unpack the cliff’s edge:

Intestate succession in Nigeria

For Christians: The Intestate Succession Law of each state generally says your spouse, children, and parents inherit. The spouse and children usually share equally, but a widow(er) might get as little as ⅓ if many kids are involved.
For Muslims: Sharia law (used in many Northern states) is stricter: daughters often inherit half of what sons do, and a widow might get only a fraction of the estate.

For Traditionalists: Some regions still follow customary rules, which can be unpredictable and often favor male relatives.

This confusion means grief and fights. Without a will, siblings, step-siblings, half-siblings, and relatives may all surface. Multiple cousins could claim land, and money could be tied up in probate courts.

Fact: Over 70% of Nigerians reportedly die without a will. (Their assets usually go through state courts, delaying distribution for years.)

The cost of silence

Family disputes: Imagine your children abroad or your siblings disagreeing about the Lagos flat you lived in. Long court battles and legal fees can shrink the inheritance.
Lost assets: In some cases, real estate without clear title deeds can be grabbed by opportunists. Bank accounts might get frozen until lawyers untangle who gets what.

Unwanted outcomes: You might want your favorite cousin to get your library, but the law might give her a token share or nothing at all.

Securing peace of mind

Making a will or trust is simpler than you think. Even a one-page handwritten will (seen by witnesses) or a consultation with a lawyer can ensure your wishes prevail. It can specify guardians for kids, gifts to charities, and keep your hard-earned property in the right hands.

Pro Tip: If you own land or a business, sign a will in your native language and register it at a high court or certified law firm. It’s like buying insurance for your legacy.

Key Takeaways

Dying without a will in Nigeria can lead to complex inheritance battles under civil or Sharia law.

Proper legal planning (will or trust) ensures your assets go exactly where you want, saving your family time and heartache.

Making a will is affordable and straightforward, and it shows you cared enough to protect your loved ones. 

Bravewood provides Nigerian professionals with low-risk, high-return investment products, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.