Overview
IntroductionThe recent decision of the Supreme Court in Mene-Okotie v Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (NIG) Ltd provides a powerful reaffirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional foundation, particularly concerning the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court (FHC). The key holding of the Apex Court was clear: Section 19 of the Oil Pipelines Act (OPA) is void for conflicting with Section 251(1)(n) of the 1999 Constitution as amended (“The Constitution”). The OPA section had previously purported to vest jurisdiction in Magistrate Courts and State High Courts to determine disputes concerning compensation under the OPA. The Supreme Court declared this provision ipso facto void. Request the full insight below.
