The Letter of Interest (LOI) is a crucial preliminary document in Nigerian business practices, commonly used to initiate formal business discussions or express interest in opportunities without creating binding obligations. It serves as a professional courtesy and a strategic tool for opening dialogue in various contexts, from property acquisitions to business partnerships. Under Nigerian law, while an LOI is generally non-binding, it should be carefully drafted to avoid unintended legal implications and to comply with relevant Nigerian legislation, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and contract law principles. The document typically includes the sender's credentials, basic terms of interest, and proposed next steps, while maintaining enough flexibility for future negotiations. It's particularly valuable in situations requiring formal expression of interest before committing to detailed due diligence or full contract negotiations.

1. Letter Header: Complete contact information of the sender, including company name, address, and date

2. Recipient Details: Full name, title, company name and address of the recipient

3. Subject Line: Clear statement of the letter's purpose (e.g., 'Letter of Interest - [Project/Opportunity Name]')

4. Opening Salutation: Professional greeting with the recipient's name and title

5. Introduction: Brief introduction of the sender's organization and purpose of the letter

6. Expression of Interest: Clear statement of interest in the specific opportunity or project

7. Qualifications Summary: Brief overview of relevant qualifications, experience, or capabilities

8. Request for Information: Specific information or next steps being requested

9. Closing Statement: Professional closing with contact information and next steps

10. Signature Block: Formal signature section with name, title, and company