What is the format for a resignation letter in Nigeria?

Your address and the date at the top, the employer's name and address, a salutation, a one-line subject ('Resignation of Appointment'), a paragraph stating that you are resigning with your last working day, an offer to hand over, a thank-you, and your signature and name.

How much notice should I give?

What your employment contract says — commonly one month, or two weeks during probation. The Labour Act sets shorter minimums for workers it covers, but your contract and company handbook are what employers will hold you to.

Can I pay in lieu of notice?

Many Nigerian contracts allow either side to end employment by paying salary in lieu of notice. If you cannot serve the full notice, say so in the letter and offer payment in lieu, so your final entitlements are not held back.

Should I state a reason?

It is not required. If you do, keep it brief and positive — the letter stays on your file and may be read by future reference checkers.

Free template · Nigeria

Resignation letter template for Nigeria

A resignation letter states your position, that you are resigning, your notice period and last working day, and how you will hand over. Fill in the form and the letter writes itself — copy it into an email or save it as a PDF to print and sign.

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Your full nameYour job titleCompanyManager's nameLeave blank to address it generally.Notice periodCheck your contract — it overrides any default.Last working dayReason (optional)You don't have to give one. Keep it short and positive if you do.What you're thankful for (optional)Offer to help with the handover

5 November 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

Resignation — [job title]

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [job title] at [company]. I will confirm my last working day with you.

I will make sure my duties are properly handed over before I leave, including preparing handover notes and returning all company property. Please let me know how I can help make the transition smooth.

Thank you again, and I wish you and [company] every success.

Yours faithfully,

Your name

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Sample resignation letters

Formal resignation letter

Dear Mr Bello,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Accounts Officer at Coastline Energy Limited. In line with my one month notice period, my last working day will be Friday 4 December 2026.

I will make sure my duties are properly handed over before I leave, including preparing handover notes and returning all company property.

Thank you for the support and training I have received. I wish the company continued success.

Yours sincerely, Adaeze Okafor

Resignation with pay in lieu of notice

Dear Sir or Madam,

I write to resign from my position as Customer Service Officer with effect from Friday 13 November 2026. As I am unable to serve the full notice period, I am willing to pay salary in lieu of notice for the balance, in line with my contract.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team.

Yours faithfully, Tunde Adeyemi

Common questions

What is the format for a resignation letter in Nigeria?: Your address and the date at the top, the employer's name and address, a salutation, a one-line subject ('Resignation of Appointment'), a paragraph stating that you are resigning with your last working day, an offer to hand over, a thank-you, and your signature and name.
How much notice should I give?: What your employment contract says — commonly one month, or two weeks during probation. The Labour Act sets shorter minimums for workers it covers, but your contract and company handbook are what employers will hold you to.
Can I pay in lieu of notice?: Many Nigerian contracts allow either side to end employment by paying salary in lieu of notice. If you cannot serve the full notice, say so in the letter and offer payment in lieu, so your final entitlements are not held back.
Should I state a reason?: It is not required. If you do, keep it brief and positive — the letter stays on your file and may be read by future reference checkers.

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