Litigation Dispute Resolution Comparative Guide

1 Legal framework

1.1 What system of jurisprudence applies in your jurisdiction? What implications does this have for litigation?

Nigeria has an adversarial rather than an inquisitorial jurisprudential system. The judge sits as an impartial umpire and as such is not involved in the fact-finding inquiry of the dispute. The judge's role is restricted to issuing an independent and impartial judgment based on the evidence adduced before him or her by the parties, in line with applicable laws.

1.2 What rules govern litigation in your jurisdiction?

In Nigeria, litigation – whether civil or criminal – is governed by a variety of laws, which are generally characterised as either substantive or adjectival. These laws are applicable at the state and federal levels, and include the following: