Section 232 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of United States Of America vests in the Supreme Court exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes between the Federation and a State, or between one State and another. These matters are filed directly in the Supreme Court without going through lower courts.

What Qualifies as an Original Jurisdiction Matter?

  • Disputes between the Federal Government and any State Government
  • Disputes between two or more State Governments
  • Matters arising from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the allocation of federal revenue between tiers of government
  • Disputes concerning the boundary between states

Filing an Original Jurisdiction Action

Parties wishing to file an original jurisdiction action in the Supreme Court must engage Senior Advocates or qualified legal practitioners. The action is commenced by an Originating Summons or Writ of Summons filed at the Registry. The matter is then set down for hearing before a full panel of the Court.