Writing a formal letter in Nigeria can be quite a difficult thing to do, especially for people who are not educated or never find themselves in a formal setting like a Private Organization or a Government establishment.
Notwithstanding, it is expected that everyone should have the basic understanding of writing a formal letter as one can be confronted with this task at a point in life.
So, if you somehow stumble on this post and you want to learn how to write a good formal letter in Nigeria, then you have found the right page. You only need to follow us here and get the basics.
What Is A Formal letter
A formal letter is an official letter. It is a letter written for official reason. It can be written from an organization to an individual, an individual to an organization or organization to organization.
Also, it can be written for different purposes which are to:
- Make a complaint
- Request something
- Make an inquiry
- Apply for a job
- Proposal
- Reference
- Formal invitation
Rules For Writing A Formal Letter
When writing this form of letter, there are strict rules you must follow. You should be mindful of your use of grammar like abbreviations, slangs and codes are not allowed, example are Nov, Don’t etc.
You have to go straight to the point when writing a formal letter, keep it simple and short and also avoid all unnecessary friendly chat and casualness.
You must be conscious of of the arrangement from the addresses and dates; to the salutation and heading; down to the introduction; body and conclusion; and then closing and signature.
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How To Write A Formal Letter In Nigeria
- The first thing to do is to begin your letter by writing your name and address in the top right-hand corner of the page. This will identify you to the recipient and provide them with an address to answer your letter. Your name should be on the first line followed by your street address on the second line. Your town, state address and postal code in the last line.
- On the top left-hand side of your letter comes the date and the recipient’s details (person you are addressing the letter to). Directly under the date you need to put the person’s name/title (if you know it) and the business or company name on separate lines. You must also include the recipient’s address on the next line.
- Next comes the greetings. Remember to be formal and use the correct title and name. “Dear” is an inappropriate greeting for a formal letter. If you do not know the name of the person to whom you are writing. You could use “Dear Sir“, or “Dear madam“, as appropriate.
- Once you have finished writing what you need to say it is time for you to “sign off” the letter. This is the way to end your letter. “Yours faithfully” or “Yours Sincerely” are appropriate sign offs.
- Finally, you need to sign your name. It is also a good idea to write your name in full underneath your signature.
For a fun and interactive writing experience, checkout the sample of a Formal letter below. This type of formal letter is an application letter for a job.
Sample Of A Former Letter
Musa okechukwu damilola
4, Asa Street,
Ikeja, Lagos.
15th November, 2017
The Human Resources Manager,
ABC Nigerian Limited.
4, Tom Street, Ibadan
Oyo State.
Dear Sir,
APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF A CHIEF ACCOUNTANT
I read with extreme interest your advertisement in the Guardian Newspaper of November 10th 2017 for the post of a Chief Accountant. My class upper grade in Accounting, professional qualification (ACA), Master degree in finance and many years cognate experience seems to fit me well for this position.
I understand this post requires a candidate with strong analytical mind, a self starter, who must be able to work with lesser supervision. All these attributes are already part of me as evidenced by my rapid promotion in the past.
Kindly contact me at the above address or through my telephone number 08033772277 for an interview where my ability to add value to ABC Nigeria Limited can be assessed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours Faithfully,
Musa O. damilola
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