The Nigerian legal system is structured to ensure the efficient administration of justice through a well-defined hierarchy and classification of courts. The system operates under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, providing a clear framework for different courts based on their jurisdictions, authority, and the types of cases they handle. In this article, we’ll explore the types of law court in Nigeria, their classifications, and how they fit into the overall judicial structure.
Classification of Courts in Nigeria
The courts in Nigeria are broadly classified into several categories. These classifications are based on federal or state control, and jurisdictional authority.
1. Classification Based on Federal or State Structure
Nigeria operates a federal system of government, with powers shared between the federal and state governments. This federal structure is reflected in the country’s judicial system, with some courts under the control of the federal government and others under the control of state governments.
Federal Courts:
The courts under the direct control of the federal government include:
- Supreme Court of Nigeria
- Court of Appeal
- Federal High Court
- National Industrial Court
- High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
- Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
- Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
- District Courts, Abuja
State Courts:
The courts under the control of state governments include:
- State High Courts
- Customary Court of Appeal of a State
- Sharia Court of Appeal of a State
- Magistrate Courts
- Customary Courts
The administrative control and funding of these courts differ based on whether they fall under federal or state jurisdiction. Federal courts are funded by the federal government, with judges appointed by the President and confirmed by the National Assembly. State courts, on the other hand, are funded by state governments, and judges are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.
2. Classification Based on Jurisdiction
Nigerian courts are also classified according to their jurisdiction and authority to handle cases. Jurisdiction determines the legal power of a court to hear and decide on matters brought before it. Broadly, courts in Nigeria fall into two categories based on jurisdiction:
Superior Courts (Courts of Record):
These courts have the authority to hear and determine cases involving significant legal principles, and they maintain permanent records of their proceedings. Their decisions can serve as legal precedents in future cases. Examples of Superior Courts include:
- Supreme Court
- Court of Appeal
- Federal High Court
- State High Courts
Superior Courts handle serious civil and criminal cases, including constitutional matters, disputes between states or between a state and the federal government, and appeals from lower courts. Their decisions are binding and contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s legal system through the interpretation of laws and establishment of legal precedents.
Inferior Courts (Courts Not of Record):
These courts typically handle less serious matters and do not create binding precedents. They do not maintain detailed records of their proceedings. Examples of Inferior Courts include:
- Magistrate Courts
- Customary Courts
- Sharia Courts
While Inferior Courts may handle similar cases as Superior Courts, they have jurisdictional limitations, especially in criminal cases (such as not handling murder cases) or civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds certain thresholds. Their decisions do not serve as legal precedents and, therefore, do not contribute to the broader legal system’s development in the same way Superior Courts do.
Understanding the Hierarchy of Courts in Nigeria
Despite the distinction between federal and state courts, the Nigerian judicial system is designed to operate seamlessly. The hierarchy ensures that cases flow from lower courts to higher courts in an orderly manner. For instance:
- Cases from a Magistrate Court at the state level can be appealed to the State High Court.
- From there, appeals can be taken to the Court of Appeal, a federal court, and eventually to the Supreme Court, the highest court in Nigeria.
This hierarchical structure allows for an organized and synchronized judiciary, ensuring that justice is administered efficiently across the country.
Jurisdiction of Superior Courts in Nigeria
Superior Courts play a critical role in the Nigerian legal system. Here’s a brief overview of the types of cases they handle:
- Supreme Court: The Supreme Court primarily serves as a court of appeal, handling cases from lower courts. However, it also has original jurisdiction in matters such as disputes between states or between the federal government and a state.
- Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal handles appeals from High Courts, Federal High Courts, National Industrial Courts, Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Customary Courts of Appeal. It serves as an intermediary between lower courts and the Supreme Court. It hears both civil and criminal appeals and is divided into judicial divisions across Nigeria to cover regional appeals.
- High Courts: These courts have broad jurisdiction, dealing with serious criminal offenses (such as homicide), civil disputes, and family law matters. They can also review cases on appeal from lower courts.
- Federal High Court: The Federal High court handles matters involving federal laws, including civil and criminal cases that relate to the federal government’s exclusive jurisdiction, such as company law, taxation, banking, and foreign exchange.
Finally, the National Industrial Court handles labor and employment disputes, while the Sharia Courts and Customary Courts of Appeal deal with matters specific to Islamic and customary laws.
Conclusion – Types of Law Court in Nigeria
The types of law court in Nigeria are classified based on their jurisdiction and control by either the federal or state government. The Nigerian judiciary operates in a synchronized structure that ensures effective justice delivery. The Superior Courts, with their binding decisions, play a crucial role in shaping the country’s legal landscape, while Inferior Courts handle less complex matters. Understanding these classifications and hierarchies is essential for navigating the Nigerian legal system and comprehending the flow of justice from lower courts to the Supreme Court.
Finally, I highly recommend reading my article on Jurisdiction in Courts in Nigeria. This will provide further clarity and be extremely helpful. Please find the link below. Please find the link to these two articles titled (a) Overview of Court with Civil Jurisdiction in Nigeria and (b) Jurisdiction of Courts in Civil Cases in Nigeria