First Trustees urges Nigerians to make estate planning a key pillar of wealth creation

First Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc. and a leading provider of fiduciary and trusteeship services in Nigeria, has urged individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors to embrace estate planning as a strategic component of wealth creation rather than viewing it as an end-of-life exercise.

The company said that as more Nigerians build wealth through businesses, real estate and other income-generating investments, equal attention should be given to protecting, preserving and transferring those assets to future generations in line with the owner's wishes.

According to First Trustees, estate planning is not exclusively for high-net-worth individuals. Rather, it is a practical financial planning tool for anyone with assets, dependants or a business, irrespective of age, profession or net worth.

Speaking on the importance of estate planning, Ereifemi Akeredolu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Trustees Limited, said it should be regarded as a fundamental pillar of every long-term financial strategy.

“Many people focus on creating wealth but give little thought to preserving it. Estate Planning is a wealth protection strategy that helps individuals safeguard their assets, secure their family's future, and ensure that the value they build today continues to benefit future generations.”

The company noted that estate planning tools such as trusts, wills and succession plans enable individuals to establish structures that support wealth preservation, asset protection, business continuity and the seamless transfer of wealth across generations.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, it said, estate planning also plays a critical role in ensuring business sustainability by helping organisations remain stable and operational in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

First Trustees reiterated its commitment to raising awareness about the importance of estate planning as a proactive financial management strategy. The company said effective estate planning provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, safeguards assets from avoidable disputes and erosion, strengthens financial security for loved ones, supports business succession, and promotes long-term investment and legacy planning.