Civil Procedure Code at Nigeria
Nigeria's civil litigation framework is governed by various rules applicable to different courts. These rules outline the procedures for initiating and conducting civil actions, including matters of jurisdiction, parties, pleadings, and evidence.
⚖️ Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2000
These rules apply to civil matters under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. They cover aspects such as:
Causes of Action: Allowing a plaintiff to claim relief against the same defendant for multiple causes of action under certain conditions.
Parties: Provisions on the joinder of parties, including joint and several claims, representative actions, and partnership suits.
Jurisdiction: Determining the appropriate Judicial Division for commencing suits based on the defendant's residence or the cause of action.
Interim Orders: Guidelines for the court to make orders for early trial or other interim measures.
For detailed provisions, refer to the full text available on the WIPO Lex portal:
👉 Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2000
⚖️ High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004
These rules govern civil procedures in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. They include:
Initiation of Suits: Procedures for commencing actions, including the use of writs, originating summons, and motions.
Pleadings: Requirements for the exchange of pleadings between parties, including statements of claim and defense.
Evidence: Rules on the presentation and admissibility of evidence in civil cases.
Judgments and Orders: Guidelines for the delivery of judgments and the issuance of orders by the court.
Access the full text on the WIPO Lex portal: (Civil Procedure in Nigeria | 9789403546216, 9789403543826 | VitalSource)
👉 High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004
⚖️ High Court Rules of Various States
Each state in Nigeria has its own set of civil procedure rules applicable within its jurisdiction. For instance:
Lagos State: The High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 govern civil procedures within the state.
Niger State: The High Court of Niger State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2018 apply to civil matters in Niger State.
These state-specific rules can be accessed through the respective state's judiciary websites or legal portals.
📚 Recommended Reading
For a comprehensive understanding of civil procedure in Nigeria, consider the book:
Civil Procedure in Nigeria by Caroline Omochavwe Oba
This book provides an in-depth analysis of the civil procedure rules in Nigeria, offering insights into their application and interpretation.
RELATED Blog
0 comments