FCT High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2025

Application

1. These Rules shall apply to all proceedings including all part-heard cases, causes and matters in respect of steps to be further taken in such cases, causes and matters. The Court shall give such directions, as may be necessary or expedient to ensure conformity with the requirement of these Rules.

2. Application of these Rules shall be directed towards the achievement of a just, efficient and expeditious dispensation of justice. Parties and Counsel shall assist the Court to further the overriding objectives of these Rules.

Practice Directions

3. The Chief Judge may give practice directions, generally or in respect of a particular case, for carrying out any provision of these Rules.

4. These Rules shall be interpreted in accordance with the Interpretation Act, or any re-enactment

5. In the construction of these Rules, unless there is anything in the subject or context repugnant thereto, the several words hereinafter mentioned or referred to shall have or include the following meanings:

“ADR” means Alternative Dispute Resolution.

“ADR Judge” means a Judge of the High Court designated by the Chief Judge to handle ADR related matters.

“AMDC” means the Abuja Multi-Door Courthouse.

"Attorney-General" means the Attorney-General of the Federation.

"Chief Judge" means the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

"Claimant" means a party initiating an action and shall include a counter claimant.

“Convention country” means a foreign country with whom Nigeria share legal commitments on a matter.

"Court" means the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

"Court process” or "process” includes writ of summons, originating summons, originating process, notices, petitions, pleadings, orders, motions, summons, affidavits, warrants and all documents or written communications of which service is required.

"Decision" means any decision of a Court and includes judgment, ruling, decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation.

"Defendant" is a party against whom an action is initiated and shall include a defendant to a counter claim.