Inheritance & wills in Niger

Civil Code applies by default; Muslim citizens (98% of the population) may opt for Maliki faraid via written declaration registered with the notaire. The Constitutional Court has upheld the primacy of civil intestacy absent such declaration (Arrêt 2015).

Wasiyyah ≤ 1/3 in writing before a notaire; explicit Islamic-regime declaration required. Two adult Muslim witnesses attest identity + capacity.

Notaire (Chambre des notaires) under the Ministry of Justice; declaration also filed with the état civil for spouse and children.

2 adult Muslim witnesses; must be non-beneficiaries and of established integrity (‘adala).

Collecting authority

Association Islamique du Niger + mosque committees

Tax relief

Donations to public-utility assoc deductible under CGI

Maximum relief

5 % of taxable income

Notes

Voluntary; Maliki dominant.

Civil default; Islamic regime by declaration. Without declaration, daughters take equal shares with sons under civil intestacy.

Tribunal de Grande Instance issues acte de notoriété; Direction des domaines and banks follow that deed.

Maliki dominant; the Association Islamique du Niger (AIN) and ulema councils provide local scholar guidance.

• Without explicit declaration, daughters may inherit equally with sons under civil intestacy.
• Customary Hausa/Zarma practices may conflict with Maliki shares — resolve at notaire before signing.

• Ministère de la Justice
• Association Islamique du Niger (AIN)

• Is Islamic inheritance (faraid) legally recognised in Niger?

  Civil Code applies by default; Muslim citizens (98% of the population) may opt for Maliki faraid via written declaration registered with the notaire. The Constitutional Court has upheld the primacy of civil intestacy absent such declaration (Arrêt 2015).

• What makes an Islamic will (Wasiyyah) legally valid in Niger?

  Wasiyyah ≤ 1/3 in writing before a notaire; explicit Islamic-regime declaration required. Two adult Muslim witnesses attest identity + capacity.

• Where do I register my will in Niger?

  Notaire (Chambre des notaires) under the Ministry of Justice; declaration also filed with the état civil for spouse and children.

• Does Niger have forced-heirship rules that override an Islamic will?

  Civil default; Islamic regime by declaration. Without declaration, daughters take equal shares with sons under civil intestacy.

• How does probate work in Niger?

  Tribunal de Grande Instance issues acte de notoriété; Direction des domaines and banks follow that deed.

• How many witnesses do I need for a will in Niger?

  2 adult Muslim witnesses; must be non-beneficiaries and of established integrity (‘adala).

• What are the most common Islamic-will pitfalls in Niger?

  Without explicit declaration, daughters may inherit equally with sons under civil intestacy. Customary Hausa/Zarma practices may conflict with Maliki shares — resolve at notaire before signing.