by 
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, will not consider the period of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, in computing time of court matters and in assessing whether default fees are applicable and the amount due for payment.
This development is contained in a circular issued to that effect by the Chief Judge that reads:
OFFICE OF THE HON. CHIEF JUDGE HIGH COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY Plot 426, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, P.M.B. 89, Abuja.
HIGH COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT)
(COMPUTATION OF TIME AND EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF DEFAULT FEES )PRACTICE DIRECTION NO.1 2021 FOR THE PERIOD
APRIL 6T” 2021 —JUNE le 2021
PREAMBLE In view of the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the attendant closure of courts from 6thApril 2021 to 14thJune 2021 and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 259 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), Order 1 Rule 3 of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (Civil Procedure Rules) 2018, Section 490 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and by any other law enabling me in that behalf I, Honorable Justice Salisu Garba, Chief Judge, High Court of the FCT, hereby issue the following Practice Direction;
- DIRECTION In reckoning time for filing of court processes or performing any act including the payment of default fees under the High Court of the FCT (Civil Procedure) Rules 2018 or under any previous directions issued by this court, the period commencing on 6th April 2021 and ending on 16th June 2021 being the period of the JUSUN strike is hereby exempted.
- APPLICABILITY Save to the extent and as may be otherwise directed, this Practice Direction shall apply to all matters pending before the High Court of the FCT.
- CITATION This Practice Direction shall be cited as “HIGH COURT OF THE FCT, (COMPUTATION OF TIME AND EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF DEFAULT FEES) PRACTICE DIRECTION NO.1 2021.”
4. Commencement: This Practice Direction shall come into effect on Tuesday 15thJune, 2021.
Issued this 11th day of June 2021
Hon. Justice Salisu Garba, Chief Judge, FCT
