How to Close Accounts After Death

Long after the initial wave of grief subsides, small and unexpected reminders can still bring the pain flooding back. It might be a persistent bank alert, a pile-up of utility bills, or relentless texts from network providers.

Closing these accounts shouldn’t be hard — but in Nigeria, it often is. Below is a practical guide to finally silence the alerts, so you can focus on healing.

Gathering Your Paperwork

This process is intensely document-driven. Your first priority is securing 15–20 Certified True Copies of the Death Certificate from the Local Government Area or the National Population Commission. Ordinary photocopies will cause delays.

You will also need:

• The Letter of Administration (LoA) from the probate registry
• The deceased’s BVN and NIN
• Your own National ID as the Next-of-Kin

Note: Be prepared for some banks to request a sworn affidavit.

Locking Down Assets

Your actions within the first 30 days are crucial for securing assets and preventing fraud.

Bank Accounts
Visit the deceased’s primary bank branch in person with the certified Death Certificate and the LoA. The bank must place an immediate freeze on single accounts. In major cities like Lagos and Abuja, ask for the bank’s bereavement desk to speed up the process.

Identity Protection
De-register the NIN and BVN. Visit any NIMC office to formally de-register these records. This protects against fraudsters who exploit dormant identities to take loans or swap SIM cards.

Monthly Bills & Services

Once the initial urgency passes, attention must turn to recurring bills. Avoid drafting separate emails for each provider. Instead, prepare one simple notification letter, make photocopies, and submit it to the electricity board, DSTV, network providers, and water services.

Most companies understand and often waive exit fees in these circumstances.

Online Accounts

The digital footprint also needs attention. You may choose to memorialize or permanently delete social and online accounts such as Facebook, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Google, and Gmail. Each platform provides a formal process for next-of-kin.

Final Government & Credit Records

The final steps involve formally closing government and financial records. Notify credit bureaus to stop alerts, return the driver’s license to the FRSC, and file a notice with the CAC if a registered business was involved. For property matters, legal guidance is indispensable.