The Supreme Court has announced a 30 day grace period for counsel to apply for extension of time to file processes in pending appeals.
This was stated in a public notice dated 4th February, 2025, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court Hajo Sarki Bello, Esq.
RE: TRANSITIONAL PERIOD FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDER 4, RULE 15 OF THE SUPREME COURT RULES, 2024
- The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, has approved the introduction of a transitional period regarding the application of Order 4, Rule 15 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2024 (the “Rules”).
- Pursuant to this directive, a 30-day window, commencing from February 10, 2025, to March 12, 2025, is hereby granted to enable counsel/litigants who have not applied for an extension of time to file their processes in pending appeals to do so.
- At the expiration of this transitional period, no further applications for 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 fillings, and parties must ensure compliance with all applicable rules regarding fees and other procedural requirements.
- Kindly be guided accordingly.
