Abuja: President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a solid foundation for the rule of law by providing world-class infrastructure for the nation’s judiciary.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the declaration while inaugurating the newly constructed Court of Appeal, Abuja Division complex at Daki Biyu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Describing the facility as more than just a physical structure, the President said it symbolises his administration’s commitment to strengthening justice delivery and democratic institutions.
“This is not just a building. It is a statement — a statement that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the rule of law will have a befitting home.
“For too long, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal operated from a cramped temporary facility. That was unacceptable. A nation that seeks justice must respect the temple of justice.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” he said.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within record time.
“You are truly ‘Mr Project’. When I appointed you as Minister of the FCT, I knew you would not sleep. You took the assignment to deliver this project in May 2024.
“By July, contractors were on site. You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results. Nigerians can see the difference. Well done,” he said.
The President described the new complex, which comprises two large courtrooms and eight additional court halls, as a world-class facility that would enhance the speedy dispensation of justice.
According to him, the development will improve access to justice, strengthen the rule of law, maintain law and order in the FCT and help reduce congestion in correctional centres.
“This is how you honour the judiciary. This is how you strengthen democracy.
“We said we would restore the dignity of our institutions. We are doing it in the judiciary, in healthcare, education, roads and power. Brick by brick, we are rebuilding Nigeria,” he said.
Tinubu further praised the FCT Administration for aligning with the administration’s reform agenda through the construction of more courts, provision of residential accommodation for judicial officers, digitisation of judicial processes and support for legal education.
He noted that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal handles some of the nation’s most sensitive cases, including election petitions and constitutional matters, and therefore deserves facilities that reflect the weight of its responsibilities.
“You deserve an environment that matches the importance of your work. This complex is not a favour; it is your right, and we will do more,” he added.
Earlier, Wike said the project reflected President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence through improved infrastructure.
“You cannot talk about judicial independence when judicial officers do not have a conducive environment to perform their duties.
“How do you talk about independence when those entrusted with dispensing justice lack adequate facilities to carry out their responsibilities?” he asked.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the inauguration as a powerful demonstration of the administration’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and constitutional democracy.
According to him, Tinubu’s support for the judiciary has been unprecedented in scope and impact.
“This support has been comprehensive, deliberate and transformational, covering judicial welfare, infrastructure, institutional capacity and judicial manpower,” Fagbemi said.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, also lauded Tinubu and Wike for addressing a longstanding infrastructure challenge confronting the court.
She disclosed that the Abuja Division had been operating with only two courtrooms and limited office space despite handling a heavy caseload.
“The lack of adequate infrastructure has continued to slow the administration of justice.
“Even when special sittings are convened and multiple panels sit simultaneously to clear case backlogs, we are often forced to seek and borrow courtrooms from sister courts,” she said.
Managing Director of Visible Construction Ltd., Olalekan Adebiyi, whose company executed the project, thanked the Federal Government for entrusting local contractors with major national projects.
“We are proud to be part of this historic project, which provides a conducive working environment for judicial officers in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.