From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General of the Federation, and other parties in a contract breach suit filed by Anchor Dataware Solutions Limited to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the preservative order on Monday, adjourning the matter to June 3.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/770/2025, Anchor Dataware challenges the alleged wrongful termination of its contract to manage the e-Citibiz platform, which automates expatriate quotas, business permits, citizenship administration, and marriage registration. The defendants are the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The company seeks a declaration that its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the ministry remains valid. It also wants the court to rule that the termination of its services, via a letter dated April 15, 2025, was unlawful and breached contract terms.
Anchor Dataware requests an injunction to prevent the ministry from engaging another provider without adhering to Clause 13.1, which mandates a three-month notice period. Additionally, the firm seeks ₦20 million in damages.
At the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, AO Amagwula, noted that the defendants had filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The defendants’ counsel, Abiola Olawole, confirmed filing a memorandum of conditional appearance and a notice of preliminary objection, served on the plaintiff. He added that the plaintiff had filed a counter-affidavit, to which he needed time to respond. Olawole requested an adjournment to prepare further documents.
Amagwula did not oppose the adjournment but urged the court to order all parties to maintain the status quo to protect the case’s subject matter. Justice Nwite ruled that justice requires parties to refrain from actions affecting the case.
“This is a court of record. Parties must stay action on all related issues pending the hearing,” he said. The defendants’ counsel assured compliance, stating they had “submitted to the temple of justice”.
The court adjourned the case to 3 June 2025 for hearing.