The Federal High Court of Nigeria has confirmed that it will begin its traditional Christmas vacation on December 19, marking the suspension of regular judicial activities across the country. The annual break, which is an established part of the court’s procedural calendar, affects all divisions under the national judicial system, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other regions. Okay News reports.
In a detailed circular issued in Abuja, the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr. Catherine Christopher, explained that the court would fully resume regular sittings on January 7, 2026. The statement, titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges,” emphasised that the schedule was approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho.
According to the statement, “The Federal High Court hereby issues notice of its 2025 Christmas Vacation as well as the approved Roster of Vacation Judges. The court will commence its Christmas Vacation for the year 2025 on Dec. 19.” It added that the decision was taken pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).
During the vacation, only critical matters requiring urgent judicial intervention will be heard. Dr. Christopher noted that “only matters pertaining to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and issues of urgent national importance shall be entertained by the vacation judges.” This aligns with common global judicial norms where courts maintain limited operations during holiday seasons.
She further clarified the deployment of judges across key regions. For the Abuja Division, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman will serve as vacation judges. In the Lagos Division, which handles a significant volume of commercial litigation as Nigeria’s financial capital, Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu will preside. For the Port Harcourt Division located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed will handle matters. At the Enugu Judicial Division in southeastern Nigeria, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo will be on duty.
Justice John Tsoho also conveyed his seasonal message, stating, “The Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), extends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges.”
Across Nigeria, many government ministries, departments, and agencies traditionally scale down operations during the Christmas and New Year season due to reduced public activity. Nonetheless, essential government and judicial services continue, ensuring that urgent national matters can still be addressed without interruption.
