Court dismisses contractor’s N170 million Lagos Trade Fair claim, clears Zenith Bank

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a contract suit filed by Micheleti & Tal Ltd against the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and Zenith Bank, clearing the latter from any liability. The case, centered on the rehabilitation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, was dismissed on October 12, 2026, as the claimant, Micheleti & Tal Ltd, had waited years without taking valid steps to enforce the contract.

The dispute involved the review of the contract and claims and denials by the parties, with the plaintiff seeking damages, outstanding payments, litigation costs, and accrued interest. The court ruled that the plaintiff's cause of action was directed at the ministry, not the bank, which was struck out from the suit due to the lack of a contractual relationship between the bank and the claimant.