Nigeria: Court Procedure

The Nigerian maritime sector operates under a sophisticated legal framework that grants the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction over admiralty matters. Understanding the power of in rem actions and the grounds for vessel arrest is essential for navigating cross-border maritime disputes and securing rapid relief in this jurisdiction.

The Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 establishes a carefully balanced framework for challenging arbitral awards in Nigeria, providing exhaustive statutory grounds while preserving the finality principle central to arbitration. This analysis examines the six specific grounds upon which courts may set aside awards, the strict three-month limitation period for applications, and the innovative procedural mechanism allowing tribunals to cure defects before judicial annulment.

In matters involving foreign law, customary law or custom, or of science or art, or the identity of handwriting or finger impressions, the evidence of an expert witness may be required to assist the trial court...