Northern Pulse: Kaduna CJ unveils civil procedures, rules, new affidavit forms

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Kaduna State, Justice Muhammad Aliyu on Tuesday unveiled Civil Procedure Rule, 2025 and new Affidavit Forms .

Aliyu said that the Kaduna State Judiciary had taken a major step towards strengthening the administration of justice with the public presentation of the Kaduna State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the event, held in the presence of judges, members of the Bar, marked another milestone in the judiciary’s commitment to reform, efficiency and improved access to justice.

The CJ described the unveiling of the new rules as a significant development in the continuous effort to enhance civil justice delivery in the state.

He emphasised that the rules of Court formed the foundation upon which justice was administered and must therefore remain dynamic, responsive and reflective of contemporary realities.

Aliyu stated that the review of the existing rules became necessary due to persistent challenges such as delays, procedural bottlenecks and evolving developments in legal practice and technology.

According to him, the revised rules are designed to address these concerns and ensure that the civil justice system remains accessible, fair and effective.

The chief judge explained that the rules were the product of extensive consultation and careful deliberation involving judges, members of the Bar, court staff and other key stakeholders.

He added that comparative best practices from other jurisdictions were examined and adapted to suit local needs, commending all contributors for their dedication, professionalism and practical insights.

Aliyu disclosed that the rules, which would come into effect on Monday, were aimed at streamlinening judicial processes, promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and enhance access to justice.

He said among the core objectives of the rules were the speedy and efficient disposal of cases, reduced reliance on technicalities and the encouragement of amicable settlement of disputes through ADR mechanisms.

Aliyu said the greater emphasis had been placed on robust pre-trial procedures, firm timelines and the application of appropriate sanctions to discourage unnecessary delays and abuse of court processes.

He says, “The rules also introduced forward-looking provisions that aligned with modern judicial realities, including the formal recognition of technological innovations such as electronic filing of court processes and the conduct of virtual hearings.

“These measures are expected to improve efficiency, reduce costs and save valuable time for litigants and legal practitioners.”

Aliyu stressed that the success of the new Rules would depend largely on their faithful and consistent implementation.

He urged the judges to make firm and judicious use of the enhanced case management tools provided by the rules.

Aliyu called on the members of the bar to adhere strictly to both their letter and spirit, and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, diligence and candour.

He reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to continuous reform and improvement, stating that the revised rules were designed to serve the interests of justice and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.

Aliyu expressed confidence that civil justice in Kaduna State would be delivered more promptly, fairly and efficiently.

According to him, the presentation of the new rules represented a forward-looking reform that positioned the judiciary to better meet the demands of modern justice delivery.