Examining the Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel in Nigerian Contract Law: Judicial Developments from 2018 to 2024

Promissory estoppel, which prevents a party from resiling from a clear and unequivocal promise upon which another has relied to their detriment, is an equitable doctrine that occupies an uncertain but increasingly significant place in Nigerian contract law. This study examines judicial developments in the application of promissory estoppel in Nigerian courts from 2018 to 2024, analysing decisions from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Commercial Divisions of state High Courts. Using a doctrinal methodology, the research identifies cases in which promissory estoppel has been pleaded and assesses the varying standards Nigerian courts have applied to the elements of clear promise, reliance, and detriment. The study draws comparative insights from English and Australian jurisprudence, where the doctrine has been more expansively developed, to evaluate whether Nigerian courts could appropriately adopt a broader equitable approach. Primary data is supplemented by interviews with 25 commercial law practitioners in Lagos and Enugu who regularly litigate estoppel-related claims. Findings reveal doctrinal inconsistency and confusion between estoppel by representation and promissory estoppel in Nigerian jurisprudence. Recommendations include academic and judicial engagement with a clearer taxonomy of estoppel doctrines and the development of model pleadings and jury directions to improve the coherence of estoppel law in Nigeria. Keywords: promissory estoppel, contract law, equitable doctrine, judicial development, Nigerian courts