1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1This memorandum provides a detailed comparative analysis between the 2018 Civil Procedure Rules and the 2025 Civil Procedure Rules of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, highlighting significant innovations in the new enactment. The updated Rules, which come into effect on 3rd March, 2025, will reflect significant reforms aimed at modernizing court operations, expediting case management, and incorporating technology for greater efficiency.
2.0 INNOVATIONS IN THE 2025 FCT HIGH COURT CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES
2.1 Electronic Filing and Virtual Hearings
2018 Rules: No explicit provision for electronic filing or virtual hearings. Filing was done physically, and hearings were primarily in person.
2025 Rules: Introduces mandatory electronic filing and provisions for virtual hearings, managed by a newly established E-Filing Unit.
(Order 3 Rule 1 and 2, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: This reform reduces filing delays, enhances accessibility, and aligns with global trends in digital judiciary systems.
2.2 Life Span of Originating Processes
2018 Rules: Originating processes had a six-month lifespan with renewals at the court’s discretion. (Order 6 Rule 6 and 7 of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: Lifespan extended to 12 months, with a 14-day renewal window after expiration, and an additional six-month extension available.
(Order 8 Rule 6, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: A longer lifespan reduces administrative burdens and procedural interruptions.
2.3 Service of Processes
2018 Rules: Service was primarily physical, with fewer alternatives.
(Order 7 Rule 1, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: Electronic service is now explicitly permitted.
(Order 9 Rule 1, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Enhances process efficiency and reliability.
2.4 Appearance by Defendants
2018 Rules: Defendants had seven(7) days to file a memorandum of appearance.
(Order 9 Rule 1 (3), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: Time extended to 21 days for filing memorandum of appearance, maintaining 21 days for filing defence.
(Order 11 Rule 1(1), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Allows defendants more preparation time while keeping defencetimelines unchanged.
2.5Pre-Trial/ Case Management
2018 Rules: Pre-trial and case management procedures were detailed under Order 27, offering limited case management flexibility for judges.
2025 Rules: Provides broader case management powers. Order 5 Rule 3 empowers judges to adopt contemporary and best case management practices, and the Chief Judge may issue Practice Directions to guide pre-trial and case management procedures.
Implication: Improves efficiency and prevents undue delays.
2.6 Fast Track Proceedings
2018 Rules: Applied to commercial and banker/customer disputes, Commerce and Industry, Landlord and Tenant, Federal Capital Territory or Area Council Revenue provided that the monetary claim is not less than ₦50 million.
(Order 37 Rule 4, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: The new rules apply to Banker/ Customer transactions and Commercial transactions only with a minimum claim threshold of not less than #100,000
(Order 41 Rule 3, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Focuses fast-track processes on high-value cases.
2.7 Motion and Time to File Counter-affidavits
2018 Rules: A party intending to oppose an application had 7 days to file a written address, which could be accompanied by a counter-affidavit. The party had 7 days to file and serve a reply on points of law.
(Order 43 Rule 1(3)(4), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: A party must now file both the written address and counter-affidavit within 7 days of service, with a reduced timeframe of 5 days for filing and serving a reply on points of law.
Implication: Shortened response time for replies promotes faster proceedings, ensuring quicker resolution of interlocutory matters while maintaining procedural fairness.
2.8 Undefended List
2018 Rules: A defendant served with a writ of summons on the undefended list had to file a notice of intention to defend at least 5 days before the hearing date.
(Order 35 Rule 3(1), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: A defendant must now file the notice of intention to defend at least 21 days before the hearing date.
(Order 34 Rule 3(1), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Extending the notice period for defending suits provides more preparation time for defendants, ensuring better case presentation and adherence to fair hearing principles.
2.9 Mode of Filing Final Written Address
2018 Rules: Required written addresses to be printed on white A4-size paper, set out in paragraphs, and numbered serially.
(Order 33 Rule 2, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: Specifies formatting requirements, including Times New Roman font size 14, 1.5 line spacing, and a maximum length of 30 pages, or 35 pages if a counter-claim is included.
(Order 39 Rule 2, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Standardized formatting enhances readability and professionalism. Limiting page length promotes conciseness and efficiency in legal argumentation.
2.10 Probate and Administration
2018 Rules: No grant of administration with Will annexed could issue within 7 days of death, and without Will annexed within 14 days. Testamentary papers had to be submitted within 14 days, with a fine not exceeding ₦5,000 for non-compliance.
(Order 62 Rule 1(3), 4(2), High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2018)
2025 Rules: The waiting periods are extended to 14 days (with Will annexed) and 21 days (without Will annexed). The provision for submission deadlines and fines for testamentary papers is omitted.
(Order 56 Rule 4, High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules, 2025)
Implication: Longer waiting periods before grants of administration provide additional time for thorough documentation and estate planning. Removing fines and deadlines for submitting testamentary papers may reduce procedural rigidity, though it requires careful monitoring to prevent delays.
3.0CONCLUSION
The 2025 Civil Procedure Rules introduce critical enhancements that modernize and streamline civil litigation in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. These reforms prioritize technology integration, procedural efficiency, and case management flexibility, fostering a more robust and accessible justice system.
Samuel Fagade MCIArb (UK) MrOmotade Agunloye
