FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY CUSTOMARY COURT ACT 2007
Act · Governance
Policy date: 2007-01-01
An Act establishes and regulates customary courts in the Federal Capital Territory for disputes under customary law. It targets residents subject to customary practices, parties in related disputes, and court personnel. This offers accessible and culturally appropriate dispute resolution.
What Is This Policy?
An Act establishing and regulating customary courts within the Federal Capital Territory to adjudicate disputes arising under customary law among persons subject to native law and custom, providing accessible justice for FCT residents.
Who Does It Target?
Residents of FCT Area Councils subject to customary law Parties in land, matrimonial, and succession disputes under customary law Customary court judges and customary law practitioners
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To provide an accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate forum for resolving disputes governed by customary law within the FCT, reduce the burden on formal courts, and preserve the application of customary norms.
Key Features
Establishment of Courts: Creates customary courts at the area council level with defined territorial jurisdiction. Subject Matter Jurisdiction: Courts hear matters of customary marriage, inheritance, land under customary tenure, and similar disputes. Appointment of Judges: Prescribes the qualifications and appointment procedure for customary court presidents and members. Appeals: Provides a structured appeal process to the FCT High Court for decisions of customary courts. Enforcement: Judgments of customary courts are enforceable through the same mechanisms as formal court orders.
Current Status
In force. The FCT Customary Court Act 2007 is operational across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, with customary courts actively adjudicating disputes under native law and custom.
File a claim at the customary court of the relevant area council Pay prescribed court fees at the time of filing Engage a customary law practitioner for representation where desired Application method: Customary court registry in each FCT Area Council
Important Terms
Courts apply the customary law of the parties to the dispute Decisions are subject to appeal within thirty days Customary law applied must not be repugnant to natural justice or inconsistent with statute
Official Resources
Website: www.fcta.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
The FCT Customary Court Act 2007 derives authority from Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution (application of federal legislative powers to the FCT) and the Customary Court of Appeal of the FCT Act. It operates alongside the Evidence Act 2011 on admissibility of customary law evidence, the FCT High Court Act, and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. Customary law applicable to FCT residents from various states provides the substantive legal framework.