President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly constructed Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Complex in Dakibiyu, describing the project as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary and deepen the rule of law.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Monday, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the facility reflects the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for judicial officers.
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According to him, the project was initiated following concerns over the inadequate and congested conditions under which judicial officers previously operated.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today we have fixed it,” the President said.
He noted that the modern judicial complex, which comprises two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms, was designed to enhance the efficiency of legal proceedings and reduce delays in the administration of justice.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within record time and praised the indigenous contractor, Visible Construction Limited, for demonstrating the capacity of Nigerian firms to execute world-class infrastructure projects.
Addressing judicial officers, the President described the new facility as a necessity rather than a privilege.
“My Lords, you serve this nation under immense pressure. The Abuja Division carries a heavy docket. From election petitions to constitutional matters, the eyes of Nigeria are on you. You deserve an environment that matches the weight of your responsibility. This complex is not a favour. It is your right. And we will do more,” he stated.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding critical national institutions and improving judicial infrastructure through increased funding and targeted reforms.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasized the importance of providing judges with a comfortable and modern working environment to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
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He disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration also constructed the access road to the facility, noting that the development has stimulated construction activities in surrounding areas.
Wike used the occasion to urge residents of the Federal Capital Territory to fulfil their civic obligations, particularly the payment of ground rents, stressing that infrastructure development depends on adequate revenue generation.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as evidence of the administration’s unprecedented commitment to strengthening the judiciary.
He highlighted the recent upward review of judicial officers’ remuneration by more than 300 per cent, describing it as a landmark intervention aimed at restoring the dignity and independence of the judicial arm of government.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for the delivery of the facility.
She said the complex, equipped with 10 fully digitised courtrooms, would significantly improve the court’s operational capacity by enabling simultaneous sittings and accelerating the handling of urgent cases, including election-related matters.
Similarly, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen public confidence in the justice system and build a more efficient judiciary.
Providing an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had operated for two years from a temporary facility before relocating to its permanent complex.
He said the new structure consists of interconnected five-storey and three-storey buildings linked by a walkway and features 10 courtrooms, justice suites, conference halls, a library, administrative offices and other supporting facilities.
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According to him, the project is expected to enhance judicial operations and contribute to more effective justice delivery across the country.
The Managing Director of Visible Construction Limited, Lekan Adebiyi, expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the project, describing it as a contribution to the administration’s broader vision of strengthening national institutions through modern infrastructure.