FEDERAL HIGH COURT ACT
Act · Technology
An Act establishes the Federal High Court of Nigeria and defines its jurisdiction over federal matters such as admiralty and taxation. It targets litigants with federal claims and legal practitioners handling these cases. This ensures efficient and impartial justice in federal issues.
FEDERAL HIGH COURT ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing the Federal High Court of Nigeria, defining its jurisdiction, composition, and procedures as the court with exclusive jurisdiction over federal matters including admiralty, company law, taxation, and constitutional matters.
Who Does It Target?
Litigants with federal law claims Legal practitioners in the Federal High Court Federal Government as a party in federal court matters The Chief Judge and Judges of the Federal High Court
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Establish an efficient, impartial federal court with jurisdiction over matters assigned by the Constitution and statute to federal courts, ensuring the rule of law in federal matters.
Key Features
Exclusive Jurisdiction: Has exclusive jurisdiction over specific matters including revenue, bankruptcy, admiralty, company matters, and constitutional issues. Composition: Composed of the Chief Judge and a number of Judges appointed by the President on NJC recommendation. Division System: Operates through divisions in each state to provide access to federal justice nationwide. Practice and Procedure: Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules govern procedure in the Court.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide through federal high court divisions Beneficiaries: All persons with federal law disputes; rule of law Funding: Federal judiciary budget
How to Access
File originating process at the nearest Federal High Court division Pay prescribed court fees Claims must fall within the Court's subject matter jurisdiction Application method: File at any Federal High Court Registry nationwide.
Important Terms
Matters outside the FHC's jurisdiction must be filed at State High Courts Appeals from FHC go to the Court of Appeal FHC has power to grant injunctions in all its jurisdictional areas
Official Resources
Website: https://www.judiciary.gov.ng Contact: Federal High Court of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Federal High Court Act (Cap F12 LFN 2004). Operates within the constitutional framework of Sections 249 to 259 of the 1999 Constitution, which establishes the Federal High Court and its jurisdiction. Complemented by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Evidence Act 2011, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, and the Federal High Court (Criminal Procedure) Rules.