Professional & Reliable Process Servers in Nigeria
Serving legal documents in Nigeria requires strict compliance with Nigerian procedural law and established court rules. Whether you are a law firm, corporation, or individual, our experienced network ensures your documents are served accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with Nigerian legal requirements.
We provide nationwide coverage across Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ibadan.
What is Service of Process in Nigeria
Service of process in Nigeria refers to the formal delivery of legal documents—such as summons, complaints, and court orders—to a defendant or respondent.
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In Nigeria, service is generally carried out through court bailiffs and licensed private process servers, under the supervision of the High Courts, in accordance with the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and High Court Civil Procedure Rules.
International Service of Process in Nigeria
Nigeria is not a signatory to the Hague Service Convention, so international service must follow formal judicial cooperation procedures.
Letters Rogatory / Judicial Assistance (Primary Method)
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Documents are transmitted through the requesting country’s Ministry of Justice or Central Authority
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Forwarded to Nigeria via diplomatic channels
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Service is executed by court bailiffs or authorized court officers
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Documents must be translated into English (official language of the courts)
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A formal affidavit or certificate of service is issued upon completion
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Recognized by Nigerian courts as valid service when properly executed
Alternative Methods (Controlled & Regulated)
Nigeria follows court-supervised service procedures:
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Service via court bailiffs for domestic litigation matters
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Service through High Court-authorized process servers
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Service via diplomatic and consular channels for international cases
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Service by registered mail is sometimes used but is often not sufficient for formal litigation
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Private service must comply strictly with court authorization requirements
Improper service methods may result in rejection or delays in proceedings.
Documents We Serve in Nigeria:
We assist with serving a wide range of legal documents, including:
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Summons & Complaints
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Court Notices & Judicial Documents
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Commercial Litigation Papers
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Arbitration Notices
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Divorce & Family Court Documents
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Child Custody & Support Papers
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Debt Recovery Documents
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Corporate & Business Disputes
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Enforcement Orders & Judgments
Our team manages the logistical and procedural aspects of international service so clients can focus on their legal case.
How the Process Works
Submit Your Documents
Clients provide the legal documents that must be served, along with recipient information and case details.
Service Request Preparation
Serveable reviews the documents and prepares the appropriate service request based on the required international procedures.
Documents Delivered in India
Documents are transmitted through the appropriate service channels and coordinated with local partners or authorities.
Proof of Service Returned
Once service is completed, Serveable provides documentation confirming service that may be used for court filing.
Timeline for Service of Process in Nigeria
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Letters Rogatory / Diplomatic Service: Typically 4–8 months
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Domestic Service: Often completed within days to a few weeks depending on location and court workload
Timelines depend on translation requirements and court processing times.
Key Considerations
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Nigeria is not a Hague Service Convention country
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Documents must be in English or officially translated into English
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Service must go through diplomatic/judicial cooperation channels
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Proper proof of service is required for court acceptance