Dear Colleagues,
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA wishes to bring to the attention of all legal practitioners and litigants the recent public notice issued by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, dated 4th February 2025, regarding the transitional period for implementation of Order 4, Rule 15 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2024.
As approved by the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, a 30-day window has been granted, commencing from February 10, 2025, to March 12, 2025, to enable counsel and litigants who have not applied for an extension of time to file their processes in pending appeals.
At the expiration of this transitional period, no further applications for an extension of time shall be entertained in respect of appeals where parties have failed to take necessary steps within the stipulated timeframe and are consequently barred by the provisions of Order 4, Rule 15 of the Rules.
Counsel/litigants are advised to take advantage of this transitional period to regularize their appeals and ensure compliance with the Rules.
Counsel/litigants availing themselves of this transitional period shall still be required to pay all applicable default fees as prescribed by the Rules. This concession does not waive financial obligations related to late filings, and parties must ensure compliance with all applicable rules regarding fees and other procedural requirements.
The NBA urges all legal practitioners to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeframe to avoid any adverse consequences on pending appeals.
Signed
Bridget Edokwe
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
