Smart contracts are lauded for their efficiency, transparency, and automation. They minimize human error and default, reduce transaction costs, and ensure that contract terms are executed exactly as written. Key features such as immutability, decentralization, and real-time execution distinguish smart contracts from traditional paper-based or digital contracts . The global potential of these contracts is evident, but their integration into existing legal systems raises important questions.

In Nigeria, where digital innovation is accelerating but regulatory frameworks are still evolving, the legal status of smart contracts remains unsettled. Are such contracts enforceable under existing contract law? Do they satisfy the established principles of law that create a valid contract - offer, acceptance, and intention to create legal relations? And can lines of computer code truly meet the legal threshold for a binding agreement? The answers to these questions carry significant implications for businesses, investors, and policymakers, as they will determine the extent to which blockchain-based transactions can be trusted, enforced, and scaled within the Nigerian market.

This article seeks to critically analyze the legal validity of smart contracts under Nigerian law. It aims to explore the extent to which current legal doctrines can accommodate these digital agreements, while highlighting the practical challenges and regulatory opportunities involved in recognizing and enforcing smart contracts under the Nigerian legal landscape.