Marriage, citizenship registration: Court orders FG to halt action over alleged contract breach

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, Monday, ordered parties in a contract dispute involving the Federal Ministry of Interior to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited had sued the ministry, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the alleged wrongful termination of its contract to manage and maintain the e-Citibiz platform, a system used for automating expatriate quotas, business permits, citizenship processes, and marriage registrations.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/770/2025, seeks several declarations, including that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the firm and the ministry remains valid and binding. Anchor Dataware also wants the court to declare that its disengagement via a letter dated April 15, 2025, was unlawful and a breach of the contract’s terms.

Also, the firm is seeking an injunction restraining the ministry from appointing another service provider without following the three-month termination notice procedure stipulated in clause 13.1 of the agreement. Anchor Dataware is also demanding ₦20 million in damages.

At Monday’s proceedings, counsel for the plaintiff, A.O. Amagwula, and defense counsel for the defendants, Abiola Olawola, appeared before the court.

The matter, earlier adjourned on April 24 to allow for proper service of court processes, was again postponed after Olawola informed the court that the defense had been served the plaintiff’s counter-affidavit and still had time to respond under statutory rules.

Amagwula did not oppose the request for adjournment but urged the court to formally instruct all parties to maintain the status quo to protect the subject of the litigation.

In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite stressed that once a matter is before a court, justice requires all parties to refrain from actions that could affect the substance of the case.

“This is a court of record. If a matter is before the court, justice demands that, without any pronouncement, parties must stay action on all issues related to the case pending the hearing of the substantive suit,” the judge ruled.

Defense counsel assured the court that the defendants would respect the judicial process and avoid any steps that could undermine the case.

The matter was adjourned to June 3, 2025, for hearing.