Nigeria’s Court System and Their Powers ⚖️
Nigeria operates a federal judicial system based on the common law tradition, influenced by English law, customary law, and Islamic law (Sharia in some states). The court structure is divided into federal and state courts, with different levels of authority.
1. Supreme Court of Nigeria 🏛️
- Highest court in Nigeria with final authority on all legal matters.
- Located in Abuja.
- Decisions are binding on all lower courts.
- Led by: Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
Powers:
✅ Final appellate court for civil, criminal, and constitutional cases.
✅ Interprets the Constitution of Nigeria.
✅ Handles disputes between federal and state governments.
✅ Reviews decisions of the Court of Appeal.
2. Court of Appeal ⚖️
- Second-highest court in Nigeria.
- Has multiple divisions across Nigeria.
- Led by: President of the Court of Appeal.
Powers:
✅ Hears appeals from lower courts (Federal High Court, State High Courts, Sharia Court of Appeal, Customary Court of Appeal, etc.).
✅ Can overturn, uphold, or modify decisions of lower courts.
3. Federal High Court ⚖️
- Handles federal matters involving the government, agencies, and federal laws.
- Has divisions in various states.
- Led by: Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Powers:
✅ Handles cases on revenue, taxation, banking, patents, and federal crimes.
✅ Jurisdiction over maritime, customs, immigration, and copyright cases.
✅ Hears cases involving federal agencies like the EFCC, NAFDAC, and NCC.
4. State High Courts ⚖️
- Operates in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT (Federal Capital Territory).
- Led by: Chief Judge of the State.
Powers:
✅ Has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters.
✅ Hears appeals from lower state courts (Magistrate, Customary, and Area Courts).
✅ Handles constitutional matters at the state level.
5. National Industrial Court (NIC) ⚖️
- Handles labor and employment disputes.
- Led by: President of the National Industrial Court.
Powers:
✅ Resolves disputes between employers and employees.
✅ Deals with cases involving trade unions, wages, and workplace discrimination.
✅ Handles cases relating to workplace injuries and industrial relations.
6. Sharia Court of Appeal ⚖️ (For Islamic Law Cases in Northern States)
- Exists in states practicing Sharia law (mostly in northern Nigeria).
- Led by: Grand Kadi.
Powers:
✅ Handles appeals on Islamic personal law cases.
✅ Jurisdiction over marriage, divorce, inheritance, and endowment (waqf) under Islamic law.
7. Customary Court of Appeal ⚖️ (For Traditional Laws)
- Exists in states that recognize customary laws.
- Led by: President of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Powers:
✅ Hears appeals on traditional/customary law cases.
✅ Deals with marriage, land disputes, and inheritance under customary law.
8. Magistrate Courts & District Courts ⚖️ (Lower Courts)
- Handles minor civil and criminal cases.
- Led by: Magistrates.
Powers:
✅ Handles small claims, minor theft, and landlord-tenant disputes.
✅ Can impose fines and short-term jail sentences.
✅ Hears preliminary cases before they go to higher courts.
9. Area Courts (For Islamic & Customary Law in Some States)
- Found in northern Nigeria and some customary law regions.
- Led by: Judges called Alkalis (Islamic) or Customary Court Judges.
Powers:
✅ Handles family disputes, land matters, and local issues.
✅ Uses customary and Islamic laws to settle cases.
Conclusion 🏛️
- Supreme Court → Final authority on all legal matters.
- Court of Appeal → Hears appeals from lower courts.
- Federal & State High Courts → Handle complex cases at federal and state levels.
- National Industrial Court → Handles labor-related disputes.
- Sharia & Customary Courts → Deal with Islamic and traditional law matters.
- Magistrate & Area Courts → Handle minor cases and local disputes.
