Every brand in Nigeria, from tech startups to NGOs, eventually faces the same question: How do we write a press release that actually works? The answer lies in structure, clarity, and local relevance. This guide provides a ready-to-use press release template tailored to Nigerian audiences — with examples, formatting rules, and tips that improve pickup across top media platforms like Vanguard, Techpoint, and The Guardian Nigeria. Whether you’re a new business or an experienced PR agency, this guide will help you structure announcements that editors open and publish. Plus, we show how Pressdia, together with networks like Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa, and Crest Africa, can help distribute and amplify your message effectively.
Why a Structured Template Matters in Nigeria
Journalists across Nigerian media outlets receive hundreds of submissions daily. A poorly formatted release — missing location, lacking quotes, or buried in corporate speak — is quickly ignored. A well-structured template solves this by:
- Helping you communicate clearly
- Making it easy to scan and republish
- Aligning with editorial preferences
- Supporting SEO and local visibility
Using a repeatable, optimized format means less time rewriting and more results.
The Standard Nigerian Press Release Structure
Below is a proven format you can copy and adapt:
[HEADLINE: Clear, Newsworthy, SEO-Friendly]
Example: “Lagos Fintech Startup Launches App to Support Digital Lending for Market Women”
[SUBHEADLINE: Optional — expands or teases benefit]
Example: “The new tool supports faster micro-loans for women entrepreneurs in Alimosho and beyond”
[DATELINE]
Leave blank. Mention city and date in body.
Never insert “Lagos, June 2025” above the article — instead, write it naturally in the opening.
[INTRO PARAGRAPH: THE 5Ws]
Start with what happened, who’s involved, where, when, and why it matters to Nigeria.
Example: A Lagos-based fintech startup, PayGidi, announced on Tuesday that it has launched a new mobile app designed to provide faster loans to informal market traders across Nigeria.
[BODY PARAGRAPHS: EXPAND THE STORY]
- Add key data, context, and Nigerian-specific relevance
- Explain how the product/initiative works
- Add local references (cities, states, policies, communities)
[QUOTE FROM A KEY SPOKESPERSON]
Make it insightful, not generic praise.
Example: “Our goal is to support underserved entrepreneurs who drive Nigeria’s economy from the grassroots,” said Ijeoma Okonkwo, CEO of PayGidi.
You may include 1–2 quotes, especially from company leads, clients, or collaborators.
[SUPPORTING DETAILS / FEATURES / BULLET POINTS]
Use bullets if helpful:
- Enables 3-minute loan approvals
- Accessible in 15 Nigerian states
- Backed by Women in Tech Africa
[CALL TO ACTION + CONTACT INFO]
What should the reader or editor do next?
- Visit the app
- Schedule an interview
- Download a report
Include:
- Contact person’s name
- Email
- Phone
- Company website
[BOILERPLATE PARAGRAPH]
A short paragraph describing your company, with a hyperlink.
Example:
PayGidi is a Lagos-based fintech company focused on inclusive financial services for Nigerian entrepreneurs. Visit www.paygidi.com to learn more.
Formatting Best Practices for Nigeria
- Use short paragraphs (2–3 sentences max)
- Stick to plain language — avoid buzzwords
- Use UK English spelling (e.g., “organise” not “organize”)
- Keep total length between 350–600 words
- Submit in plain-text email format or via Pressdia’s submission form
- Attach media files as separate items — don’t embed
These formatting tips increase your chances of pickup in Nigerian outlets, where editors often reformat content quickly for online or print.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping location references (e.g., not stating Lagos or Abuja clearly)
- Leading with praise instead of the news
- Overloading with jargon like “synergy” or “paradigm shift”
- Not including a quote
- Forgetting contact details
Avoiding these issues means your release feels professional, newsworthy, and ready to publish.
Nigerian-Specific Enhancements to the Template
To further localize your press release:
- Reference trends or needs in Nigerian sectors (e.g., SME funding, electricity issues, school infrastructure)
- Align with relevant government or policy updates (e.g., CBN regulations, NITDA frameworks)
- Highlight regional impact — say how your work affects communities in Epe, Kaduna, Enugu, etc.
This context makes your release more appealing to both media and readers.
When and Where to Submit
Once your press release is ready, submit it through Pressdia for distribution to Nigeria’s top outlets. Choose bundles based on your sector — tech, finance, lifestyle, or pan-African.
To go even further:
- Partner with Talented Women Network for women-focused stories
- Collaborate with Empire Magazine Africa for lifestyle, fashion, or culture pieces
- Get featured in
- if your announcement ties into innovation, impact, or regional expansion
These platforms not only publish, they add trust and visibility across digital spaces.
Ready-to-Use Template (Copy & Customize)
[INSERT HEADLINE HERE]
[Optional Subheadline]
[City, Nigeria – Date] — [Opening paragraph with 5Ws]
[Paragraph 2 expanding the story with data or local relevance]
[Quote from key spokesperson]
[Paragraph 3 with more context or supporting info]
Key Features:
- [Bullet point 1]
- [Bullet point 2]
- [Bullet point 3]
Contact Information:
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Website]
About [Your Company Name]:
[Boilerplate paragraph with link]
Final Tips for Ongoing Success
Save this template and customize it for each announcement. Build a library of press releases that align with Nigerian seasons, events, and policy shifts. Keep measuring success: track pickups, clicks, and shares through Pressdia reports and analytics.
When a campaign deserves extra amplification, coordinate early with Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa, and Crest Africa — don’t wait till after publishing.
Start With the Right Structure
With the right press release template, you won’t just get published — you’ll get noticed, shared, and remembered. Use this Nigeria-optimized structure, distribute via Pressdia, and align with trusted networks to boost your chances of success. For personalized help reviewing your draft or choosing the best package, contact us here or go straight to Pressdia’s order page and get started.
