A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Ministry of Interior to maintain the status quo in a contract dispute involving the e-Citibiz platform, a key system for managing citizenship and marriage registration processes.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the directive on Monday while presiding over a suit filed by Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited against the ministry, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The firm claims its contract to manage and maintain e-Citibiz was unlawfully terminated.
Anchor Dataware, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/770/2025, is asking the court to declare that its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the ministry remains valid. It also seeks an injunction to prevent the ministry from appointing a new service provider without following the required three-month termination notice stipulated in the contract. The company is additionally demanding ₦20 million in damages.
At Monday’s session, plaintiff’s counsel A.O. Amagwula emphasised the need to preserve the subject matter of the suit. Defence counsel Abiola Olawola confirmed receipt of the plaintiff’s counter-affidavit but requested more time to respond, which the court granted.
Justice Nwite stressed the importance of judicial respect, stating, “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.”
Defence counsel assured the court that the defendants would comply fully with the directive.
The matter, previously adjourned to allow for proper service of court documents, has now been rescheduled for hearing on June 3, 2025.
