Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria)
WAREHOUSE STORAGE LEASE AGREEMENT
WAREHOUSE STORAGE LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS WAREHOUSE STORAGE LEASE AGREEMENT ("Lease") is made on the [Lease Date].
PARTIES
BETWEEN:
(1) [Landlord Name] of [Landlord Address] (the "Landlord"); and
(2) [Tenant Name] of [Tenant Address] (the "Tenant").
DEMISED PREMISES
1. DEMISED PREMISES
The Landlord hereby demises to the Tenant the warehouse premises at [Warehouse Address], with a gross floor area of approximately [Floor Area] (the "Premises"), together with the following included facilities: [Included Facilities].
A floor plan identifying the Premises is attached to this Lease as Schedule 1.
TERM AND RENT
2. TERM
The Lease shall be for a term of [Lease Term] commencing on [Commencement Date] and expiring on [Expiry Date] (the "Term"), subject to earlier termination in accordance with this Lease.
3. RENT
The annual rent payable by the Tenant to the Landlord is NGN [Annual Rent] ([Annual Rent Words]) per annum (the "Rent"), payable [Payment Schedule] in advance by bank transfer to such account as the Landlord may direct in writing.
Rent Review: The Rent shall be reviewed annually by the following mechanism: [Rent Review Mechanism].
Security Deposit: On execution of this Lease, the Tenant shall pay a security deposit of NGN [Security Deposit] to the Landlord, to be held as security for performance of the Tenant's obligations and returned (without interest) within 30 days of expiry of the Term, subject to deductions for any outstanding rent or repair costs.
PERMITTED USE
4. PERMITTED USE
The Tenant shall use the Premises solely for [Permitted Use] and for no other purpose without the prior written consent of the Landlord. The Tenant shall at all times comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and licences governing the use of the Premises, including the requirements of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) where applicable.
NAFDAC Compliance Required: [NAFDAC Compliance: Yes/No].
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
5. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OBLIGATIONS
Maintenance allocation: [Maintenance Allocation]. The parties shall comply with the repair and maintenance obligations assigned to each party by the applicable lease type selected above. The Tenant shall keep the Premises in good and tenantable repair and condition throughout the Term, and shall yield up the Premises at expiry in the same state of repair as at commencement (fair wear and tear excepted), as evidenced by a Schedule of Condition prepared by a SURCON-registered estate surveyor at the commencement of the Term.
INSURANCE
6. INSURANCE
The Tenant shall throughout the Term maintain, with an insurer licensed by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM): (a) public liability insurance in an amount not less than NGN 50,000,000 per occurrence; (b) goods-in-storage insurance covering all goods stored on the Premises at full replacement value; and (c) employer's liability insurance under the Employees' Compensation Act 2010 covering all employees of the Tenant engaged at the Premises. The Tenant shall provide the Landlord with evidence of such insurance within 7 days of any written request.
The Landlord shall maintain building insurance for the Premises. The Tenant shall not do anything on the Premises that would void or prejudice the Landlord's building insurance.
GOVERNOR'S CONSENT AND REGISTRATION
7. GOVERNOR'S CONSENT AND REGISTRATION
Where the Term of this Lease is three years or more, this Lease is subject to the consent of the Governor of the relevant state under Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978 and shall be registered at the relevant State Land Registry. Responsibility for obtaining and paying for Governor's Consent: [Governor's Consent Responsibility]. This Lease shall also be stamped under the Stamp Duties Act (Cap S8, LFN 2004) before presentation for registration.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
8. SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENT
The Tenant shall not sublet, assign, or transfer the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of the Landlord, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Any approved assignment or sublease must also obtain Governor's Consent under Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978.
9. GOVERNING LAW
This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Land Use Act 1978 and the relevant state tenancy law.
EXECUTION
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Lease as a deed on the date first written above.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED by the LANDLORD: [Landlord Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
In the presence of:
Witness Name: ___________________________
Witness Signature: ___________________________
Witness Address: ___________________________
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED by the TENANT: [Tenant Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
In the presence of:
Witness Name: ___________________________
Witness Signature: ___________________________
Witness Address: ___________________________
Landlord
________________
Signature
Tenant
________________
Signature
What Is a Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria)?
A Warehouse Storage Lease in Nigeria records the terms on which a tenant occupies premises, including payment, repairs and notice requirements. It records the rental price, deposit, term, maintenance duties, and notice periods between landlord and tenant.
The Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 (LSTI 2011) is the primary legislation governing commercial and residential tenancies in Lagos State, Nigeria's principal commercial hub. The LSTI 2011 prescribes statutory rules on notice to quit (Section 13), rent increases (Section 7), tenant's right to a rent receipt (Section 11), and the prohibition of illegal evictions under Section 36. Commercial warehouse leases for terms exceeding three years must be executed as a deed and registered at the Lagos Land Registry under the Lagos State Land Registration Law 2015 to be enforceable against third parties.
Warehouse properties in Nigeria are typically located in industrial zones designated by the Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Authority (LASPPDA) in areas such as Apapa, Ikorodu, Ota (Ogun State), and the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ). Industrial leases in the LFTZ are governed by the Lekki Free Zone Development Company (LFZDC) regulations and require approval from the LFTZ Authority. For warehouses used for the storage of food products, pharmaceutical goods, or hazardous materials, compliance with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) storage guidelines and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) standards is required.
For large logistics operators and e-commerce companies — such as Jumia Logistics, DHL Nigeria, or GIG Logistics — warehouse leases often include step-up rent provisions, break clauses, and rights of first refusal on adjacent expansion space, reflecting the fast-growing Nigerian logistics market driven by the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) and the AfCFTA Single Market trade flows.
The legal framework governing the Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) in Nigeria draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Nigerian law, the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) regulates corporate entities through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The Labour Act (Cap L1 LFN 2004) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) govern employment disputes. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019 and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) protect personal data. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) administers tax obligations under the Companies Income Tax Act. The Federal High Court and state High Courts have jurisdiction over civil matters. Parties executing a Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) in Nigeria should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Land Use Act 1978 (Cap. L5) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria)?
A Warehouse Storage Lease is needed in Nigeria whenever a business requires dedicated warehouse, distribution, or storage space for a defined term under a formal landlord-tenant arrangement.
A warehouse lease is required when a manufacturing company, importer, or distributor leases a private warehouse facility for the storage of raw materials, finished goods, or trading stock, requiring a formal lease that defines the permitted use, storage conditions, and liability allocation for loss or damage to stored goods.
A warehouse lease is needed when a logistics company or third-party logistics (3PL) provider takes a long-term lease on a purpose-built warehouse or distribution centre as a base for Nigeria-wide distribution operations, requiring sophisticated lease terms covering loading bays, refrigeration provisions, security, and NAFDAC compliance.
A warehouse lease is required when an e-commerce company establishes a fulfilment centre in Lagos, Abuja, or Kano to enable same-day or next-day delivery to customers, with lease terms aligned to operational requirements including 24-hour access, high-specification floor loading, and technology infrastructure.
A warehouse lease is needed when a company operating in Nigeria's free trade zones — such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Calabar Free Trade Zone, or Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone — takes a lease on warehouse space within the zone, subject to the zone authority's specific lease regulations and customs duty implications.
A warehouse lease is required when a business needs short-term storage space during a business relocation, renovation, or stock build-up period, and requires a defined agreement specifying the permitted goods, access arrangements, and liability for damage to stored items during the temporary occupancy.
Parties in Nigeria should prepare a Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under Nigerian law, the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) regulates corporate entities through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The Labour Act (Cap L1 LFN 2004) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) govern employment disputes. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019 and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) protect personal data. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) administers tax obligations under the Companies Income Tax Act. The Federal High Court and state High Courts have jurisdiction over civil matters. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria)
A Nigeria Warehouse Storage Lease must contain the following essential elements to protect both landlord and tenant and comply with applicable state property law.
Parties: Full legal names, addresses, and descriptions of the landlord and tenant. For corporate parties, include the CAMA 2020 RC number. Corporate tenants should verify the landlord's title at the State Land Registry before entering the lease.
Premises Description: Precise identification of the leased premises, including the warehouse address, LGA, state, gross floor area in square metres, and any designated yard, loading dock, or office areas included in the demise. A floor plan or site plan should be attached as a schedule.
Term: The commencement date and expiry date of the lease. For commercial leases exceeding three years, the lease must be executed as a deed and registered at the State Land Registry to be enforceable against third parties under the Lagos State Land Registration Law 2015.
Rent: The annual rent in NGN, the payment schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually in advance), the method of payment (bank transfer to a named account), and the agreed rent review mechanism — typically annual CPI-linked reviews or fixed step-up increases.
Permitted Use: A precise statement of the permitted use of the warehouse — for example, dry goods storage, cold chain logistics, pharmaceutical storage (subject to NAFDAC licence), or e-commerce fulfilment. The permitted use clause limits the tenant's activities and determines applicable insurance and regulatory requirements.
Maintenance and Repair: Allocation of maintenance and repair obligations between landlord and tenant — typically the landlord maintains the structure and roof, while the tenant maintains internal fixtures, fittings, loading equipment, and the warehouse floor. Service charge provisions for shared facilities should be specified.
Insurance: The tenant's obligation to maintain commercial property and public liability insurance covering the warehouse contents and third-party claims, with the landlord noted as an additional insured. The landlord typically maintains building insurance. Compliance with the Insurance Act 2003 is required.
Governor's Consent: For leases of three years or more, the requirement to obtain Governor's Consent under Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978, without which the lease is void ab initio. The party responsible for obtaining and bearing the cost of Governor's Consent should be specified.
Additional compliance elements for a Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) used in Nigeria include: Under Nigerian law, the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) regulates corporate entities through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The Labour Act (Cap L1 LFN 2004) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) govern employment disputes. The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019 and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) protect personal data. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) administers tax obligations under the Companies Income Tax Act. The Federal High Court and state High Courts have jurisdiction over civil matters. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Nigeria-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) (Nigeria) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/nigeria/real-estate/commercial/warehouse-storage-lease-nigeria
"Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) (Nigeria)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/nigeria/real-estate/commercial/warehouse-storage-lease-nigeria.
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title = {Warehouse Storage Lease (Nigeria) (Nigeria)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/nigeria/real-estate/commercial/warehouse-storage-lease-nigeria}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Land Use Act 1978 (Cap. L5)}
}Frequently Asked Questions
A warehouse lease in Nigeria that is for a term exceeding three years must be registered at the relevant State Land Registry to be enforceable against third parties under the applicable state land registration law. In Lagos State, the Lagos State Land Registration Law 2015 requires registration of all instruments affecting land — including leases for terms exceeding three years — at the Lagos Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja. A lease that is not registered is still valid and enforceable between the landlord and tenant as a contractual obligation, but it does not create a legal estate binding on third parties (such as a subsequent purchaser of the property or a creditor of the landlord). For leases exceeding three years, the lease must first be submitted for stamping at the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) — stamp duty on lease agreements is assessed as a percentage of the average annual rent under the Stamp Duties Act (Cap S8, LFN 2004) — and Governor's Consent must be obtained under Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978 before the lease can be registered. In Abuja (FCT), leases are registered with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) registry under the FCT Administration.
Rent review provisions in Nigerian warehouse leases vary depending on the lease term, the economic environment, and the negotiating positions of the parties. For short-term leases (one to three years), rent is typically fixed for the lease term with no formal review mechanism, though the landlord may reserve the right to adjust rent at renewal. For medium to long-term leases (three to ten years), common rent review mechanisms in Nigeria include: annual reviews pegged to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with the rent increase capped at a maximum of 10% to 15% per annum; fixed percentage step-up reviews (for example, a 10% increase every two years); and open market rent reviews at fixed intervals (typically every three to five years), with an independent valuer determining the current market rent in the absence of agreement. The Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 limits the frequency of rent increases for tenancies governed by that law but is primarily targeted at residential tenancies — commercial warehouse leases are generally subject to freely negotiated review terms. Tenants negotiating long-term warehouse leases should seek a rent review cap and a downward review exclusion to protect against market volatility.
Maintenance obligations in a Nigerian warehouse lease are typically allocated between the landlord and tenant depending on the type of repair involved and the lease terms negotiated. In a full repairing and insuring (FRI) lease — the most common structure for large commercial and industrial properties in Nigeria — the tenant is responsible for all internal and external repairs, including the structure, roof, walls, and services, with the landlord bearing minimal obligations. In a more balanced internal repairing lease (IRL), the landlord maintains the structure, exterior, and common areas, while the tenant maintains the internal fit-out, fixtures, loading equipment, and floor. The Lagos State Tenancy Law 2011 implies a landlord's covenant to keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair at the commencement of the tenancy under Section 3, but this implied covenant may be varied by express agreement in commercial leases. Tenants should conduct a Schedule of Condition survey at the commencement of the lease — prepared by a SURCON-registered estate surveyor — to document the existing state of repair, which limits the tenant's liability at lease expiry to returning the premises in the same condition (fair wear and tear excepted) as recorded in the Schedule of Condition, rather than a fully repaired state.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), established under the NAFDAC Act (Cap N1, LFN 2004), imposes specific requirements on premises used for the storage of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, food products, and other regulated articles in Nigeria. A warehouse used for pharmaceutical storage must comply with the NAFDAC Good Storage and Distribution Practice (GSDP) Guidelines, which prescribe minimum standards for temperature and humidity control, security, pest control, record-keeping, and staff training. Before a pharmaceutical company or medical distributor can operate a warehouse, the premises must be inspected and approved by NAFDAC, and the operator must hold a current NAFDAC Product Registration Certificate and a valid business permit issued by NAFDAC's Regulated Premises Directorate. A warehouse lease for pharmaceutical storage should include provisions requiring the tenant to maintain the premises to NAFDAC GSDP standards, to notify the landlord of any NAFDAC inspections, and to indemnify the landlord against regulatory sanctions arising from the tenant's storage activities. Cold chain warehouses storing temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products must comply with additional NAFDAC cold chain storage guidelines and must maintain validated temperature monitoring systems.
A warehouse tenant in Nigeria may sublet or assign the lease only if the lease expressly permits subletting or assignment, or if the landlord gives prior written consent. Most commercial warehouse leases in Nigeria contain absolute or qualified covenants against subletting or assignment. An absolute covenant prohibits all subletting and assignment without exception. A qualified covenant allows subletting or assignment with the landlord's prior written consent but requires that the landlord must not unreasonably withhold or delay consent — a principle recognised under general Nigerian landlord and tenant law. Where the tenant sublets or assigns without the required consent, the landlord is entitled to forfeit the lease and retake possession of the warehouse under the terms of the lease and under the Conveyancing Act 1881 (in southern states) or the equivalent state property laws. Under Section 22 of the Land Use Act 1978, any alienation — including subletting — of a lease for a term exceeding three years requires Governor's Consent from the state governor, failing which the sublease is void. The tenant remains primarily liable to the landlord for rent and obligations throughout the term even after assignment unless the landlord expressly releases the original tenant from future liability.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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