How to Write an Application Letter in Nigeria (Format + Example)

2026-06-12 application letter nigeria job application

"Send your CV and application letter"

Almost every Nigerian job advert ends with that line. The CV lists what you've done; the application letter is where you speak directly to the employer — and it's where many qualified candidates lose the job before any interview. A letter that looks careless says careless; a letter in the proper Nigerian format says professional before the recruiter reads a single sentence.

The good news: the format is fixed, and once you've mastered it, you only adapt a few lines per application.

The format Nigerian employers expect

Nigerian employers — especially banks, government bodies, schools and established companies — still expect the formal letter layout:

1. Your address — top right corner (area and city are enough; no need for your full house address on an emailed PDF).

2. Date — below your address.

3. Employer's address — top left: "The Human Resources Manager, [Company name], Lagos."

4. Salutation — "Dear Sir/Madam," (or the named person if the advert gives one).

5. RE: line — the position, in bold or capitals: "RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT". If the advert has a reference number, include it here.

6. Body — three short paragraphs (see below).

7. Closing — "Yours faithfully," (you used Dear Sir/Madam) with your full name. Use "Yours sincerely," only when you addressed a named person.

The three body paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 — why you're writing. Name the position and where you saw it: "I wish to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant as advertised on Jobberman on 10 June 2026."
Paragraph 2 — why you. Your strongest two or three qualifications for THIS job, including your NYSC status if you're a graduate: "I hold an OND in Business Administration and completed my NYSC service year in 2025…"
Paragraph 3 — the close. Availability and a polite ask: "I am available for interview at your convenience and can resume immediately. My CV is attached."

Example application letter

> Surulere, Lagos

> 12 June 2026

> The Human Resources Manager

> Olufemi Stores Ltd

> Ikeja, Lagos

> Dear Sir/Madam,

> RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SHOP ATTENDANT

> I wish to apply for the position of Shop Attendant as advertised on Jobberman on 10 June 2026.

> I completed my SSCE (WAEC) in 2023 and have two years of experience serving customers and managing stock at a family provisions shop in Surulere, where I handled daily sales of over forty customers and kept accurate cash records. I am honest, punctual and comfortable working weekends.

> I am available for interview at any time convenient to you and can resume immediately. My CV is attached for your consideration.

> Yours faithfully,

> Chiamaka Okafor

Short, specific, properly formatted. That is the whole job of the letter.

Sending it by email or WhatsApp

Most applications now travel by email or WhatsApp, and the rules adapt:

Email subject: "Application for the Post of Shop Attendant — Chiamaka Okafor". Never leave the subject blank.
Attach, don't paste: send the letter and CV as PDFs, named professionally — "Chiamaka-Okafor-Application-Letter.pdf", not "doc1 final2.pdf".
WhatsApp applications (common for shops, salons, smaller businesses): a brief polite message — "Good morning. My name is Chiamaka Okafor, applying for the shop attendant position. Please find my CV and application letter attached." — then the PDFs. No voice notes.

Mistakes that get letters discarded

One generic letter for every job. Recruiters spot it instantly. Change the position, company and paragraph 2 every time.
Repeating your entire CV. The letter highlights; the CV details.
Begging or desperation. "Please help me, I really need this job" hurts you. Confidence and politeness win.
Typos in the company's name. Fatal, and very common.
A full page of dense text. Three short paragraphs. Recruiters give it the same 5 seconds they give your CV.

Pair your letter with a CV in the proper format — our Nigerian CV guide covers that, and Monta meu currículo? builds the CV free on your phone, no sign-up, no fees.