Can You Sue Someone for a Small Amount in Nigeria? (₦50,000 to ₦5 Million)

A common misconception in Nigeria is that going to court is only worth it for large amounts — that suing over ₦50,000 or even ₦500,000 is too expensive or complicated to bother with. This is no longer true.

The Small Claims Court was designed specifically to make it practical to recover smaller debts, without needing a lawyer and without spending more on legal fees than the amount you are owed.

What Is the Minimum Amount You Can Sue For?

There is no formal minimum. The Small Claims Court rules do not set a floor. In practice, however, you should weigh the court filing fee against the amount owed:

• Filing fees in Lagos typically range from ₦3,000 to ₦15,000 depending on the claim amount
• For claims below ₦50,000, the cost-benefit may be tight — but sending a well-drafted Letter of Demand alone often produces payment without filing at all
• For claims of ₦50,000 and above, the Small Claims Court is almost always worth it

What Is the Maximum Amount for Small Claims?

This varies by state:

• Lagos State: ₦5,000,000
• FCT (Abuja): ₦5,000,000
• Rivers State: ₦2,000,000
• Other states: Check your state's Magistrates' Court rules — most have been updated in the last 5 years

For amounts above the Small Claims limit, you would file in the Magistrates' Court or High Court — but these require more formal procedure and usually a lawyer.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

No — and in fact, the Lagos Small Claims Court rules prohibit legal representation. Both parties appear personally. This was intentional: the system was designed so that ordinary people could represent themselves without legal training.

However, you still need properly prepared documents — Form SCA 1, Form SCA 2, a Letter of Demand, and organised evidence. This is where Pandas LP helps: we prepare everything for you, and you file and appear yourself.

Common Debts That Qualify

• Unpaid invoices for goods or services
• Personal loans not repaid
• Rent arrears (where recovery of premises is not also in dispute)
• Deposits not returned
• Contractor fees owed
• Salary unpaid by an employer
• Goods paid for but never delivered

What Debts Cannot Go to Small Claims?

• Land disputes or title claims
• Claims involving defamation
• Criminal matters
• Matters involving government agencies (different procedure)
• Amounts above the monetary limit for that state

How Long Does It Take?

The Lagos Small Claims Court aims to resolve cases within 60 days. In practice:

• Uncontested claims (defendant doesn't show up or doesn't dispute): 30 to 45 days
• Contested claims (defendant appears and disputes): 60 to 120 days

This is substantially faster than a regular court case, which can take years.

Start Your Claim with Pandas LP

Our Small Claims AI Agent interviews you, drafts your Letter of Demand, prepares Forms SCA 1 and SCA 2, and — if needed — files the claim and represents you in court. Starting from ₦10,000.