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Application letter sample and format for Nigeria

A job application letter in Nigeria is a one-page formal letter: your address and the date, the employer's address, 'Dear Sir/Madam', a bold subject line naming the position, three short paragraphs on why you fit, and your signature. Fill in the form below and yours writes itself.

Samples
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by job, Nigerian format
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The format, line by line

  1. Your address, phone number and email — top right, or top left on an email
  2. The date, written out: 5 November 2026
  3. The employer's title and address: The Human Resources Manager, company name, street, city
  4. Salutation: 'Dear Sir/Madam,' or 'Dear Mrs Bello,' if the advert names someone
  5. Subject line in bold capitals: APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF …
  6. Opening: the role and where you saw it
  7. Middle: two or three things you have done that match the advert
  8. Close: NYSC status, when you can start, and a line asking for an interview
  9. 'Yours faithfully,' (to Sir/Madam) or 'Yours sincerely,' (to a named person), then your signature and full name

Sample application letter

12 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. 080 0000 0000 5 November 2026

The Human Resources Manager, Harbourline Logistics Limited, 14 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos.

Dear Sir/Madam,

APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

I am writing to apply for the position of Administrative Officer advertised on BoQQs. I hold a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan and have two years' experience running office administration for a busy distribution company.

In my current role I manage records for over 200 staff, coordinate travel and procurement, and introduced a shared filing system that cut document search time in half. I am confident with Microsoft Excel and Word and comfortable dealing with suppliers and senior management.

I completed my NYSC in 2024 and can resume within one month. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can support your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

Chiamaka Eze

Samples by job

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Write yours

The job

Why you, why them

Your details

Your name

5 November 2026

Dear Sir/Madam,

APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF [JOB TITLE]

I am writing to apply for the [job title] role at [company].

I have attached my CV and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help [company]. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully,

Your name

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Common questions

What is the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?
In Nigeria they are the same document. 'Application letter' is the older, more formal name and usually carries addresses and a bold subject line; 'cover letter' is the name used by most online job sites. Either way it goes with your CV.
How long should an application letter be?
One page — three or four short paragraphs. Recruiters for graduate roles read hundreds; a letter that names the job, gives two concrete reasons you fit, and asks for an interview is the one that gets read.
Should I write 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely'?
'Yours faithfully' when you wrote 'Dear Sir/Madam'. 'Yours sincerely' when you addressed a named person. The builder chooses for you.
Can I send my application letter in the body of an email?
Yes, and many employers prefer it. Put the position in the subject line, paste the letter into the email, and attach your CV as a PDF named with your full name.
Do I need to mention NYSC?
Yes, in one line near the end: completed (with the year), currently serving, or exempted. Employers screen on it, and leaving it out invites the wrong assumption.
Nigerian CV format →Interview questions and answers →Build the CV to go with it →Jobs in Nigeria →