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The short answer
Not automatically. Whether an Irish professional indemnity policy responds to work for a Nigerian client depends on two parts of the schedule: the territorial limit (where the work is done or the business operates) and the jurisdiction limit (in which countries' courts a claim can be brought). A Nigerian client could sue in a Nigerian court, such as the Lagos Small Claims Court for money claims up to ₦5,000,000, so check that Nigeria is not excluded before you take the work.
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance pays for claims that your advice or work was negligent, and for defending them. Many Irish freelancers buy it because an Irish client asks for it. When a Nigerian client comes along, few re-read the policy. That is the moment to do it, because PI policies are written around geography in two different ways, and a policy that suits Irish work can leave Nigerian work uncovered.
Two limits that decide the answer
- Territorial limit
- Where the insured activity takes place or where you operate from. If you do the work in Ireland for a Nigerian client, the work is still done in Ireland; if you travel to Lagos to deliver it, it may not be.
- Jurisdiction limit
- Which countries' courts a claim can be brought in, or a judgment obtained from, for the insurer to respond. A Nigerian client suing in Nigeria needs Nigeria inside this limit.
The wording differs between insurers. Some policies give worldwide jurisdiction with named exclusions; others are limited to Ireland or the EU. The schedule and the definitions section are where you find out. We have not seen a standard Irish wording that answers this for every policy, so read your own.
Why Nigerian jurisdiction is a real issue
A Nigerian client with a complaint will often prefer its own courts. For money claims, the Lagos State Practice Direction on the Small Claims Court (2023) covers liquidated demands of up to ₦5,000,000, excluding interest and costs, where the claimant or defendant lives or carries on business in Lagos or the cause of action arose there. Claimants can represent themselves and the process aims to reach judgment within 60 days of filing. Larger negligence claims go to the higher courts.
A forum clause in your contract choosing Irish courts helps, but it does not stop a client filing in Nigeria and arguing the clause should not apply. If the policy excludes claims brought in Nigeria, you could be defending one with no insurer behind you.
Other policy terms to check
- Claims-made basis: many PI policies respond to claims made while the policy is in force, not when the work was done. If yours does, keep cover going after a Nigerian project ends.
- Retroactive date: work done before this date may be excluded, even if the claim comes later.
- Description of business: if your declared activity is "web design for Irish SMEs", a fintech audit for a Lagos company may sit outside it.
- Contractual liability: liabilities you accept in a contract beyond what the law imposes, such as uncapped indemnities, may be excluded.
- Currency: limits are in euro; a judgment in naira is converted, which can help or hurt.
- Defence costs: whether they sit inside or on top of the limit of indemnity.
Questions to send your broker
- Does the policy cover claims brought by a client based in Nigeria, in a Nigerian court?
- Is work done remotely from Ireland for an overseas client inside the territorial limit?
- Is work done during a visit to Nigeria covered?
- Does my declared business description include this project?
- Is there an extra premium or endorsement for Nigerian jurisdiction, and what is it?
Get the answers in writing, attached to your policy documents. A broker's email is evidence of what you were told.
Contract terms that work with your policy
Insurers look at what you agreed. Cap your liability at a figure no higher than your limit of indemnity, exclude indirect and consequential loss, choose a governing law and forum, and avoid unlimited indemnities. If the Nigerian client's template includes clauses your policy excludes, negotiate them before signing; see e-signing a contract with a Nigerian client for making the signed version provable.
If something goes wrong with your insurer
If your Irish insurer declines a claim and you disagree, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman offers an independent, free service for complaints against financial service providers. Its website says you must complain to the provider first, and only then bring the complaint to the Ombudsman.
Where Pryme fits
Pryme is not an insurer and does not sell PI cover. It helps with the paper trail around a dispute: invoices and payments sit in one business account, and verifiable statements show what was paid and when. The Compliance agent can list contracts whose terms need a second look before renewal; a person decides.
Questions people ask
Does my Irish PI insurance cover clients abroad?
Only if the territorial and jurisdiction limits in your schedule include where the work is done and where the client could sue. Check for Nigeria specifically.
Can a Nigerian client sue me in Nigeria?
It can try. The Lagos Small Claims Court, for example, hears money claims up to ₦5,000,000 where the claimant lives or does business in Lagos or the claim arose there.
Does a contract clause choosing Irish courts protect me?
It helps, but it does not stop a client filing in Nigeria. Make sure your policy responds if it does.
Who do I complain to if my insurer refuses a claim?
Complain to the insurer first. If unresolved, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman offers a free, independent service.
Sources
- Lagos State Practice Direction on Small Claims Court 2023, Lagos MSME portal · accessed Oct 2026
- Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.