The first quarter of 2025 brought important legal developments in disputes, in Nigeria and in key international jurisdictions. Landmark court decisions and policy changes gave much-needed clarity on evolving legal issues.
Legal developments in disputes in Nigeria
The Supreme Court and the appellate courts delivered pivotal decisions across diverse areas. These included the scope of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework, the admissibility of evidence and the assessment of damages in aviation claims.
The courts also upheld regulatory limits in broadcasting. In particular, they confirmed that terrestrial broadcasters may lawfully be restricted from directly relaying foreign news.
List of Cases
CBN v Ochife & 3 Ors – Suit No: SC/CV/268/2021
Ezebube v. FRSC – [FHC/L/CS/253/2024]
Brittania-U (Nig.) Ltd. v. Chevron (Nig.) Ltd. [2025] 3 NWLR (Pt. 1979) 197
Mairami & Anor v. Gonidinari [2025] LPELR-80093(CA)
Ukegbu v. N.B.C. [2025] 2 NWLR (Pt. 1976) 283
Rivers State House of Assembly & Anor v Govt of Rivers State & Ors [2025] LPELR-80539 (SC)
Raphael v. Ubamacco Ventures Ltd [2025] 2 NWLR (Pt. 1975) 141
Anibaba v. Dana Airlines Limited & Anor [SC/CV/1191/2022]
TikTok Inc. v. Garland 604 U.S. [2025]
The Father v. Worcestershire County Council [2025] UKSC 1
Collins and 4 Ors v. Wind Energy Limited [2025] EWHC 4
Royal Bank of Canada v. Commissioners for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs [2025] UKSC 2
Servis-Terminal LLC v Drelle [2025] EWCA CIV 62
New civil procedure rules in Abuja
Beyond case law, procedural change took centre stage. The newsletter examines the new High Court of the FCT, Abuja (Civil Procedure Rules) 2025. Its innovations aim to improve efficiency, including stricter filing timelines and wider digital case management tools.
International developments
Abroad, courts dealt with high-profile matters. The US Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of restrictions on TikTok. Meanwhile, the UK Supreme Court clarified the limits of habeas corpus in child welfare cases and the taxation of oil revenues under international treaties.
Arbitration and insolvency law also moved. Courts stressed procedural diligence in arbitration, and they refined the standards for recognising foreign judgments in bankruptcy proceedings.
Why these developments matter
This edition analyses each development and its wider implications. It is written for legal practitioners, policymakers and businesses operating in an increasingly contentious regulatory environment.
For the next instalment, see our Q2 2025 dispute resolution developments. Our Disputes 2025 Wrap-Up and 2026 Outlook then brings the whole year together.
Read the full newsletter for a deeper analysis of these developments and what they mean for dispute resolution in 2025.
