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VOL. 13, ISSUE 1 (2026)
An examination of the administration of estate under the Nigerian property law
Authors
Dr. Y S Uthma
Abstract
The administration of estates is a critical
aspect of private law, as it determines how the property, rights, and
liabilities of a deceased person are preserved, managed, and ultimately
transferred to beneficiaries or heirs. In Nigeria, this process is shaped
by a plural legal system comprising statutory law, customary law, and Islamic
law, each of which applies depending on the personal circumstances of the
deceased. This article examined the concept of estate administration and
identifies the roles of personal representatives, namely executors and
administrators. It also explored the legal basis of their appointment through
grants of probate and letters of administration, as well as the scope of their
powers and duties under Nigerian law. Emphasis was placed on the fiduciary
nature of estate management, which requires personal representatives to act in
good faith, with diligence and accountability, in collecting assets, settling
debts, and distributing the estate in accordance with the law. It was found that
administration of estates in Nigeria continues to face significant challenges,
including delays, family disputes, lack of awareness of legal procedures, and
conflicts arising from the interaction of different systems of law. Consequently,
it was recommended that there is a need for continuous legal reform, public
enlightenment, and stricter enforcement of probate rules.
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Pages:93-100
How to cite this article:
Dr. Y S Uthma "An examination of the administration of estate under the Nigerian property law ". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 13, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 93-100
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