Leaving Lagos takes as much organising as arriving, and much of it has long deadlines. Start a few months ahead.
Your tenancy
- Give notice in writing, as your agreement and the Tenancy Law require, and keep proof you gave it.
- The caution deposit: agree an inspection, photograph the flat when you leave, and ask for the deposit back in writing.
- Utilities and levies: settle the electricity, water and estate levies, and get receipts.
Tenancy agreements Estate and street life
Your things
Sell what you will not take: furniture, appliances, generators and cars sell quickly among people arriving. Ship the rest with a reputable mover, and keep an inventory.
Money and accounts
- Bank accounts: decide which to keep. A domiciliary account can be useful abroad; dormant naira accounts are hard to revive.
- Your pension: your RSA stays yours. Check the rules on accessing it if you are leaving Nigeria for good. Your pension and your RSA
- Tax: file your last return with the LIRS, and get a tax clearance certificate if you will need one. Tax clearance certificate
Your phone number
Your SIM is linked to your NIN and your bank accounts. Keep the line active if you can, or move those links to a number you keep.
Residents and work permits
If you are a foreign national leaving employment, your employer cancels your residence permit and you leave on the terms of your visa.
Pets
Exporting a pet needs a veterinary health certificate and the destination country’s import rules, which can take months.