The Federal High Court has commenced the relocation of its Lagos Judicial Division to a newly completed court complex in Ikoyi, marking a major step in efforts to improve judicial services and provide a more modern working environment for judges, lawyers and court users.
The relocation, which began on July 31, is being carried out in phases to ensure that court activities continue with minimal disruption. The new complex is located at 1B Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, while the court is gradually moving from its former premises on 24 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi.
According to the court’s Chief Registrar, Yahaya Yakubu Shafa, the relocation followed the completion of the purpose-built judicial facility, which is expected to improve access to justice through better infrastructure and more conducive working conditions for judicial officers and litigants.
The new complex is designed to accommodate the growing workload of the Lagos Judicial Division, one of the busiest Federal High Court divisions in the country, with expanded courtroom space and modern administrative facilities.
Legal practitioners and court users are expected to begin conducting proceedings at the new location as the phased relocation progresses, while administrative offices are also being transferred in stages to ensure a smooth transition.
The move comes months after the Federal High Court introduced electronic filing of cases in the Lagos Division as part of wider reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing paperwork and speeding up the administration of justice.
Judicial stakeholders have welcomed the relocation, expressing optimism that the upgraded facilities will enhance court operations, reduce congestion and create a more efficient environment for handling civil and criminal cases.
The relocation represents another milestone in the ongoing modernisation of Nigeria’s judiciary, with the Federal High Court expected to fully operate from the new Ikoyi complex after the transition process is completed.