Details of Federal High Court Vacation
The Federal High Court (FHC) will begin its Federal High Court vacation on December 19, 2025, as announced by the News Agency of Nigeria. The Director of Information at the FHC, Dr. Catherine Christopher, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday. Court sittings will resume in all judicial divisions on January 7, 2026.
The notice, titled “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges,” was issued in accordance with a circular signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. The vacation will allow the FHC to manage reduced activities while ensuring essential services remain available to the public.
Vacation Schedule and Roster of Judges
The Federal High Court vacation schedule includes operational periods for the core judicial divisions, namely Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. These divisions will remain operational throughout the holiday season and accessible to the litigating public.
Only urgent matters, including the enforcement of fundamental rights, arrest or release of vessels, and issues of national importance, will be handled during this time. This ensures that the court addresses critical issues despite the vacation.
Vacation Judges for Different Divisions
During the Federal High Court vacation, vacation judges will preside over cases. For the Abuja Division, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman will serve as vacation judges. In the Lagos Division, Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu will oversee matters. The Port Harcourt Division will be managed by Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed, while Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo will serve as the vacation judge for the Enugu Judicial Division.
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Holiday Wishes from the Chief Judge
In the statement, Justice John Tsoho, the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, extended his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges. He emphasized the importance of the vacation in managing judicial responsibilities while ensuring essential functions continue smoothly.
Government Agencies’ Adjusted Schedules During Holidays
As is common during the holiday season, several federal ministries, departments, and agencies may scale down operations during the Christmas and New Year period. Adjusted work schedules or temporary breaks are often observed, while essential services remain operational. This practice helps institutions manage reduced activities during the festive season.
