Federal High Court Announces Christmas Vacation
As the year draws to a close, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has formally announced its Christmas vacation period for 2025. According to a statement released by the Federal High Court Director of Information, Dr Catherine Christopher, court activities across all judicial divisions will be suspended starting December 19, 2025, with full sittings set to resume on January 7 2026.
The announcement, issued in Abuja and titled Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges, follows the approval of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T Tsoho.
Basis of the Vacation Schedule
The yearly break is in line with Order 46 Rule 4c of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019 as amended. The directive provides for an annual recess to enable judges and court staff to rest, review administrative matters, and prepare for the new legal year.
Dr Christopher explained that while the court will be on break, operations will not completely shut down. Instead, core judicial divisions including Abuja Lagos and Port Harcourt will remain functional through designated vacation judges.
Matters to Be Heard During the Vacation
The court emphasized that only urgent and critical cases will be entertained throughout the holiday period. These include:
• Matters relating to the enforcement of fundamental human rights
• Applications concerning the arrest or release of vessels
• Cases considered to be of urgent national importance
This practice ensures that essential justice services remain available to the public during the festive season.
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Vacation Judges Across Divisions
To maintain justice delivery during the recess, the Chief Judge approved a roster of vacation judges across select divisions.
Abuja Division
Justice Emeka Nwite
Justice Musa Liman
Lagos Division
Justice Akintayo Aluko
Justice Isaac Dipeolu
Port Harcourt Division
Justice P M Ayua
Justice A T Mohammed
Enugu Judicial Division
Justice Folashade Giwa Ogunbanjo
These judges will preside over urgent matters and ensure uninterrupted judicial access for litigants and legal practitioners.
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Season Greetings from the Chief Judge
In the statement, the Honorable Chief Judge, Justice John T Tsoho, extended warm festive greetings to all judges, court staff, lawyers, and the Nigerian public. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, appreciating their commitment to justice throughout the year.
Impact on Federal Ministries and Agencies
The court vacation coincides with the period when many federal ministries departments and agencies typically scale down their operations. During the Christmas and New Year season, several public institutions adopt adjusted schedules, operate with skeletal staff, or take short breaks to manage workflow.
These temporary adjustments allow agencies to maintain essential services including security health and emergency functions while acknowledging the nationwide slowdown in activities during the festive period.
What Litigants and Lawyers Should Know
As the vacation approaches, legal practitioners and court users are advised to:
• Conclude time sensitive filings before December 19
• Direct urgent applications to the designated vacation judges
• Plan litigation timelines around the temporary suspension of full sittings
For individuals or organizations dealing with maritime issues detention matters or rights related cases, the vacation period still provides an avenue for redress.
Conclusion
The Federal High Court Christmas vacation remains an important annual tradition that balances judicial efficiency with the wellbeing of court personnel. With vacation judges positioned in key divisions, access to essential judicial services is assured even during the holidays.
As Nigeria prepares for the festive season, the announcement serves as an important guide for the legal community and the general public.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Vanguardnews.com
