Keep it short. A resignation letter is a record, not an explanation.
The notice you owe
Your contract decides it first. Most Lagos office contracts set a notice period — often a month, longer for senior roles — and that is what you owe. Where a contract says nothing, the Labour Act sets a minimum by length of service, for the workers it covers.
The notice table, and who the Labour Act covers
Either side can usually pay salary in lieu of notice instead of working it. If you want to leave sooner, offer that, in writing.
The template
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
[Date]
[Manager's name]
[Job title]
[Company name]
[Company address]
Dear [Mr / Mrs / Ms / name],
RESIGNATION FROM THE POSITION OF [JOB TITLE]
I write to give notice of my resignation from my position as
[job title] with [company name].
In line with [clause __ of my contract of employment / the Labour
Act], I am giving [____] notice. My last working day will
therefore be [date].
I will hand over my responsibilities fully before then, and I am
happy to prepare a handover note for whoever takes them on.
Please confirm receipt of this letter, my final pay date, and the
arrangements for my pension, leave and any sums owed to me.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Yours faithfully,
_________________________
[Your name]
[Staff number, if you have one]
Before you send it
What you are owed on the way out
- Salary up to your last working day, with its pension contribution
- Pay for annual leave you have earned and not taken, if your contract provides for it
- Any bonus or commission already earned under your contract
- A letter of service or reference, which is worth asking for now rather than in two years
Your pension stays yours
Your RSA is in your name with your PFA. It does not close when you leave; your next employer pays into the same account. Before you go, check your PFA statement against your payslips: a final month’s deduction that was never remitted is easier to chase while you still work there.