Federal High Court Christmas Vacation: Get Ready for Holiday Shutdown Starting December 19th

By: Abudu Olalekan

It’s that time of the year again. The air’s getting cooler. Decorations are popping up. And soon, courtrooms across Nigeria will go quiet — well, mostly.

Reportersroom confirms that the Federal High Court (FHC) is officially heading into its annual Christmas break. December 19, 2025. Mark the date. That’s when the pause begins.

But don’t worry — they won’t be gone for too long. According to a statement from Dr. Catherine Christopher, the court’s Director of Information, sittings will resume on January 7, 2026. Right after the New Year’s fireworks have faded.

The announcement didn’t come out of the blue either. It’s all in line with official rules — specifically, Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the 2019 (amended) Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules. Basically, this is how it’s supposed to go every festive season.

The statement, tagged “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roster for Vacation Judges,” came straight from the office of the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. And yes, there’s a whole system in place for how it all works during the short break.

So here’s the gist.

While most courtrooms take a breather, a few key divisions will stay open. Just in case. The Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt divisions will hold the fort during the holidays. But only for urgent stuff, though. Not for endless adjournments or land dispute dramas.

If it’s something serious — like protecting someone’s fundamental rights, dealing with arrest/release of vessels, or matters of vital national importance — then it’ll be heard. Otherwise, lawyers might as well hold the paperwork till January.

Now let’s talk judges. Who’s staying back to keep the wheels turning?

In Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman are on duty.
For Lagos, it’s Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu.
Port Harcourt will have Justice P.M. Ayua and Justice A.T. Mohammed holding sessions.
As for Enugu, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo will be sitting as the vacation judge there.

These judges won’t be dealing with your everyday court business, though. Only lawsuits that can’t afford to wait—life, liberty, and national interest kind of stuff.

And while the court takes a well-deserved breather, so do many federal ministries, departments, and agencies. Usually, MDAs slow down during this period — sometimes halving work hours, other times closing completely, depending on the office. It’s just how December runs in the civil service circle.

The Chief Judge himself, Justice Tsoho, wrapped up the news with warm tidings. In the statement, he extended Christmas and New Year wishes to all the Honourable Judges. A simple but meaningful gesture — especially after what’s usually a long, demanding legal year.

So come December 19, courtrooms will dim their lights a little. Lawyers will exhale. Litigants will press pause. And vacation judges will quietly step up where needed, just in case Nigeria throws them a legal curveball over the holidays.

‘Tis the season. For resolutions, reflection, and just a little bit of rest — even for the justice system.