Sweeping Changes In FCT High Court: New Civil Procedure Rules Effective March 2025

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has released new Civil Procedure Rules which will come into effect on March 3, 2025. Legal practitioners, especially those who practice in the FCT, should take note of the following key changes:

1. The new rules can be obtained at the book stands in any of the FCT Courts.

2. Order 41 Rule 7 provides that the filing fee for Fast Track Matters is now ₦500,000.

3. The monetary jurisdiction has been increased to ₦100 million.

4. No amendments to pleadings will be allowed once trial commences. Adjournments will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

5. Applications for extension of time to file any processes out of time will attract a fee of ₦2,000 per day.

6. Each party is required to file and serve their Final Written Addresses within 7 days and 5 days respectively. In the absence of the parties, the Final Written Addresses shall be deemed adopted.

Legal practitioners are advised to carefully study the new rules to ensure compliance and avoid any delays or penalties.

The full rules are available for reference at the FCT Courts.

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