First Trustees Limited urges Nigerian families to adopt structured Islamic estate planning at Abuja clinic to safeguard wealth and prevent inheritance disputes

In Abuja, a powerful conversation unfolded about the future of wealth transfer in Nigerian households.

First Trustees Limited, part of First HoldCo Plc., in collaboration with The Metropolitan Law Firm and Al-Ameen Trustees, hosted the 8th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic, attracting experts in law, finance, and policy from across the country.

The forum, themed “From Informality to Legacy: Structuring Islamic Wealth Transfer,” brought to light the challenges families face when relying on informal inheritance practices.

Speakers highlighted that without formal, Sharia-compliant structures, wealth can become a source of conflict rather than a lasting legacy.

The Importance of Moving Beyond Verbal Promises

One of the recurring points was that wealth transfer is not merely a financial act—it is a moral responsibility.

Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, stressed that depending on verbal agreements for inheritance can lead to disputes and lost assets.

He recommended using modern technology, including blockchain, to securely store wills and estate documents, blending traditional Islamic principles with contemporary innovation.

“Documenting your intentions today ensures that your family tomorrow inherits clarity and peace of mind,” Pantami said, echoing the forum’s central message.

Estate Planning as an Act of Stewardship

Rotimi Obende, speaking for the Managing Director of First Trustees Limited, described estate planning as a sacred duty.

He explained that informal arrangements expose families to unnecessary risks, while professionally structured, Sharia-compliant plans offer transparency, legal clarity, and generational protection.

Regulated trustees, he noted, are key to executing wills and trusts correctly, fostering public confidence in the process and reinforcing accountability.

Flexibility Within Islamic Law

Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner at The Metropolitan Law Firm, emphasized that Islamic inheritance law is both structured and flexible.

Individuals can allocate up to one-third of their estate via documented wills and trusts, yet many families overlook this critical step, leaving intentions unrecorded and inviting future disputes.

“As wealth becomes more complex, including digital assets, cross-border investments, and business holdings, informal practices simply cannot keep up,” she said.

Why Structured Islamic Estate Planning Matters Today

Throughout the discussions, a clear consensus emerged: structured estate planning is no longer optional.

Proper frameworks deliver tangible benefits, including:

• Legal certainty and compliance with Nigerian law

• Peaceful family relationships through documented intentions

• Efficient tax and wealth management

• Long-term preservation of assets across generations

With these advantages, families can ensure their legacy is protected, while also aligning with Sharia principles.

About First Trustees Limited

First Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., is a market leader in trust services, offering corporate, public, and private trust solutions as well as comprehensive estate planning.

With four decades of expertise, their professionals focus on safeguarding clients’ assets and ensuring their wishes are fully respected.

The firm is recognized for high-quality, efficient service and a deep commitment to fiduciary responsibility.

What’s Next?

The forum concluded with a call to action: Nigerian families should embrace structured Islamic estate planning without delay.

The integration of modern technology, public awareness campaigns, and continued collaboration between financial, legal, and policy experts will be essential to make this shift widespread.

Experts also hinted at upcoming initiatives, including seminars across other major Nigerian cities, the launch of digital platforms for secure document management, and the development of tailored advisory services for complex estates and cross-border assets.

Summary

The 8th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja highlighted the urgent need for Nigerian families to move from informal inheritance practices to structured, Sharia-compliant estate planning.

Experts from First Trustees Limited, The Metropolitan Law Firm, and Al-Ameen Trustees emphasized that proper planning preserves wealth, reduces family conflicts, and ensures generational legacy.

Modern technology and legal expertise were recommended as tools to document intentions securely.

With wealth becoming more diverse and complex, structured planning is essential for clarity, peace of mind, and long-term preservation of family assets.