FCT Customary Court of Appeal Issues New Practice Directions to Enhance Service Delivery

The Hon. President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Adekunle Stanley Lawal, FICMC, F.DRI, has issued three new Practice Directions designed to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of judicial service delivery within the Federal Capital Territory.

The Practice Directions are as follows:

1.      FCT Customary Court of Appeal (Review of Fees) Practice Direction No. 1 of 2026 This Practice Direction harmonizes and streamlines fees payable for all court processes and services across the Courts under the administrative, appellate, and supervisory control of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal.

2.      FCT Customary Court of Appeal (Electronic Affidavit) Practice Direction No. 2 of 2026 This establishes the framework for the adoption of electronic affidavit (e-Affidavit) services, thereby modernizing affidavit processes and improving accessibility for litigants and practitioners.

3.      FCT Customary Court of Appeal (Marriage Certificate) Practice Direction No. 3 of 2026 This creates the Marriage Certification Unit of the Court, tasked with certifying marriages contracted under Customary Law, ensuring proper documentation and recognition of such unions.

These Practice Directions were issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 269 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and Section 20 of the Federal Capital Territory, Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja Decree No. 30 of 1991. They shall take effect from 1st March, 2026.

The issuance of these Practice Directions underscores the Court’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and the effective administration of justice in the FCT.