OAL’s Pioneering Role in Procedural Reforms and Judicial Efficiency in Nigeria

OAL has been a leading force in driving procedural reforms within Nigerian courts, spearheading a revolution in judicial efficiency through its innovative Speed of Justice concept. This concept has directly addressed the issue of chronic delays in cases, stemming from outdated and ineffective procedural rules.

• Our impact is evident in the creation of Model Civil Procedure Rules, emphasizing case management and fast-track procedures. These Rules were first implemented by the Lagos State Judiciary and subsequently adopted by other superior courts throughout Nigeria.
• We have collaborated with numerous Chief Judges of the Federal High Court to modernize critical rules, including: Federal High Court Rules, Companies Proceedings Rules, Companies Winding-up Rules, Bankruptcy Rules, and Admiralty Jurisdiction Rules.

• Recognizing the need for a national standard, we were commissioned by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, to develop model civil procedure rules for all courts.
• We provided the thematic direction and core content for the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules enacted by Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, then Chief Justice of Nigeria.
• We have been instrumental in the ongoing reform of the Federal High Court Rules, collaborating with Chief Judges Roseline Ukeje and Abdullahi Mustapha.
• We played a crucial role in implementing Practice Directions for AMCON cases, resulting in significant improvements in resolution speed.
• We have also championed the establishment of specialized courts to address specific legal challenges. Our advocacy led to the creation of a dedicated court for labour and employment disputes, alleviating the burden on general courts and providing targeted expertise.
• Currently, we are engaged in discussions with the Attorney General of the Federation on the implementation of Sector-Specific Courts.