FG Barred from Action as Court Steps In on e-Citibiz Contract Row

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to maintain the status quo in a heated contract dispute over the management of Nigeria’s citizenship and marriage registration platform, e-Citibiz.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Monday, warning parties not to take any action that could affect the subject of the suit pending the hearing of the substantive case.

Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited, the company behind the lawsuit, is accusing the Federal Ministry of Interior of unlawfully terminating its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
The firm claimed its contract — covering expatriate quota processing, business permits, citizenship applications, and marriage registrations — was wrongfully revoked via a letter dated April 15, 2025, in breach of agreed terms.

In its suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/770/2025, Anchor Dataware is seeking court declarations affirming the continued validity of the contract.
It also sought an injunction restraining the ministry from engaging any new service provider without observing the required three-month notice stipulated under clause 13.1 of their agreement.
Additionally, the company is demanding ₦20 million in damages for alleged wrongful disengagement.

At Monday’s proceedings, both parties’ counsel—A.O. Amagwula for the plaintiff and Abiola Olawola for the defendants—were present.
While the defense requested an adjournment to respond to newly served documents, Anchor Dataware’s lawyer pressed the court to formally instruct all sides to freeze any steps that might jeopardize the dispute’s subject.

In a brief but firm ruling, Justice Nwite reminded both parties that the judicial process must be respected.

“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,” he said.

Counsel to the defendants assured the court that no further steps would be taken until the case is determined.

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