OSAS EMMANUEL
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, declaring that a nation seeking justice must provide its judiciary with the facilities and support necessary to uphold democratic values.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja, the president described the new edifice as more than just a physical structure, saying it represents his administration’s determination to strengthen the foundations of justice and democratic governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President recalled that, for many years, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal operated from inadequate and temporary facilities, a situation he described as unacceptable for an institution entrusted with safeguarding justice and the constitutional order.
“When I saw the condition under which the Court was operating, I gave a simple directive: fix it. Today, we have delivered on that promise,” he said.
Tinubu praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and commitment in delivering the project.
According to the President, the minister moved swiftly after receiving the assignment in May 2024, mobilising contractors to the site within months and ensuring completion within the promised timeframe.
The President noted that the world-class complex, equipped with two large courtrooms and eight additional court halls, would significantly improve the administration of justice by accelerating case hearings, reducing judicial delays, and enhancing access to justice for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, stressed that strengthening the judiciary remains a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote good governance, judicial reforms, institutional efficiency, and adherence to the rule of law.
“This is not merely about constructing buildings. It is about restoring the dignity of our institutions and ensuring that justice is delivered in an environment befitting the importance of the Judiciary,” Tinubu stated.
The President further commended the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to support judicial reforms through the construction of additional courts, the provision of residences for judicial officers, the digitisation of judicial processes, and investments in legal education.
Acknowledging the enormous responsibilities carried by judges of the Court of Appeal, particularly in handling election petitions, constitutional disputes, and other matters of national significance, Tinubu said the judiciary deserves facilities that match the weight of its constitutional mandate.
“This complex is not a favour to the Judiciary; it is a recognition of its critical role in sustaining our democracy and preserving public confidence in the justice system,” he said.
President Tinubu also lauded Visible Construction Limited for successfully executing the project, describing the accomplishment as further proof that indigenous Nigerian firms possess the expertise and capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects to the highest standards.
He said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to empowering local businesses, creating opportunities for indigenous companies, and promoting economic growth through local content development.
The President equally congratulated residents of the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the new facility would provide improved access to justice while strengthening law and order across the territory.
Addressing the justices who will occupy the new complex, Tinubu urged them to continue dispensing justice without fear or favour.
“Nigeria asks only one thing of you: let justice be swift, fair, and blind to status, tribe, religion, or wealth. Let every citizen, especially the ordinary Nigerian, find confidence that this Court remains a true guardian of justice and hope,” he said.
Formally commissioning the complex, the President expressed confidence that the facility would stand as a lasting symbol of democratic progress, judicial excellence, and national unity.
He prayed that the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Building Complex would serve generations of Nigerians and contribute to strengthening the nation’s democracy through fair and impartial justice.
“May this edifice stand as a symbol of our democracy and may the judgments delivered here continue to unite, strengthen, and advance the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and timely completion of the new Court of Appeal Complex in Abuja, describing the project as a significant milestone in the development of the judiciary and the nation’s capital.
Wike revealed that he initially had concerns when the contract was awarded to a local contractor.
According to him, he personally warned the Managing Director of the construction company that friendship would not interfere with his duty to ensure the project met the required standards and was delivered on schedule.
“I told the Managing Director that when it comes to this job, I have no friends. If you want to be my friend, make sure this project is completed and completed on time,” he said.
The minister stressed the importance of contractors delivering projects promptly after receiving government funds, especially during the dry season when construction activities are most effective.
He disclosed that he made numerous inspection visits to the project site, often pointing out areas that failed to meet expected standards.
According to him, the contractor responded positively by correcting the identified deficiencies before the commissioning.
Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the project, describing the complex as a fitting gift to mark the Court of Appeal’s 50th anniversary.
He also congratulated the President of the Court of Appeal, noting that the completion of the complex and the provision of residential accommodation for judicial officers happened during her tenure.
“You are not the first President of the Court of Appeal, but one may ask why it is during your tenure that Abuja now has a dedicated Court of Appeal complex and housing for judges. Everyone has his or her appointed time, and God has decided that this achievement should come during your tenure,” he stated.
The minister also acknowledged the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation, whom he said consistently monitored the project’s progress and frequently sought assurances that it would be completed in time for both the Court of Appeal’s golden jubilee celebration and President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Reflecting on the project’s early stages, Wike noted that the area previously lacked infrastructure, including access roads.
He recalled the commissioning of the road leading to the complex, which took place despite heavy rainfall.
“When the Vice President came to commission the road, it was raining heavily. We prayed, and by the grace of God, the rain stopped, and the commissioning proceeded successfully,” he said.
According to him, the completion of the road has stimulated rapid development across the area, with several new projects emerging in its vicinity.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that allocated lands are developed, warning that undeveloped plots could be revoked and reassigned to investors willing to utilise them productively.
In his closing remarks, Wike emphasised that development requires adequate funding and called on residents to fulfil their civic obligations by paying ground rents and other statutory charges.
“The judiciary needs public infrastructure, and the FCT needs development. But development cannot happen without funding,” he said.
While celebrating the completion of the new complex, the minister challenged residents to reflect on their own contributions to national development.
“It is not enough to clap and celebrate. Ask yourself: Have you paid your ground rent? Have you paid your tenement rate? Where do we get the money to provide these infrastructures?” he asked.
Wike warned that landowners who fail to meet their financial obligations risk losing their land rights, stating that such lands could be reassigned to individuals or organisations willing to comply with the payment requirements.
“If you know you have not paid your ground rent, consider that the land may no longer belong to you. We will give it to those who can pay so that we can continue building public infrastructure,” he declared.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex as a historic milestone for Nigeria’s judiciary and democracy, and Tinubu’s administration for what he termed unprecedented support for the nation’s judicial system.
Fagbemi said the project stands as a powerful symbol of the Federal government’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the strengthening of institutions that uphold constitutional democracy.
“As Chief Law Officer of the Federation, I am particularly delighted to witness yet another milestone in the unprecedented support that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to provide for the judiciary since assuming office,” he said.
The minister noted that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a clear understanding of the critical role of an independent and effective judiciary in promoting democratic governance, economic development, national stability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
He argued that no administration in Nigeria’s recent history has matched the level of support currently being extended to the judiciary, describing the government’s interventions as deliberate, comprehensive, and transformational.
One of the administration’s most notable achievements, he said, was the historic review of the remuneration and welfare package of judicial officers, which resulted in salary increases exceeding 300 percent.
The review, the first major upward adjustment in decades, addressed longstanding concerns regarding the welfare and dignity of judicial officers and reaffirmed the judiciary’s status as an equal arm of government.
“By taking this step, Mr. President demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that judicial officers are adequately supported in discharging their constitutional responsibilities,” he stated.
Beyond welfare reforms, the Attorney-General highlighted the government’s extensive investments in judicial infrastructure, describing them as among the most ambitious in the country’s history.
He identified the newly completed Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex as a flagship project under the initiative.
Among the projects completed are residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal and judges of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, official residences for heads of courts in the FCT, and other critical judicial facilities.
The minister emphasised that the Federal government funded these projects as special interventions, separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocations, which have also increased significantly under the current administration.
