By Remi Johnson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly constructed Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, with a resounding commendation to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for its timely delivery.
On the occasion, Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, explained that the commissioning of the court complex, which formed part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary, reflects the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda to restore dignity to key national institutions.
Tinubu who said the completion of the project underscores his administration’s resolve to address longstanding institutional challenges through practical action rather than mere promises, described the edifice as a major milestone.
The President noted that the complex would enhance judicial efficiency, strengthen public confidence in the justice system, provide a befitting environment for judicial officers, and improve access to justice for Nigerians.
Recalling that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years from an inadequate and temporary facility, President Tinubu emphasized that a nation seeking justice must accord due respect to the judiciary and provide the infrastructure necessary for efficient service delivery.
President Tinubu specifically acknowledged Wike as truly “Mr. Project,” stating that he had demonstrated exceptional commitment and efficiency since assuming office, working tirelessly to ensure that the project was successfully delivered without delays or variations.
“Wike, you are truly Mr. Project. You promised delivery within 16 months, and you delivered in record time. No excuses, no variation, just results. Nigerians can see the difference.
“This is not just a building; it is a statement that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the rule of law will have a befitting home. When I saw the condition under which the Court of Appeal was operating, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it. This complex will ensure justice is delivered more swiftly and effectively to all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
On his part, the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, stressed that judicial independence cannot be achieved without providing a conducive environment for judicial work.
“You cannot talk about the independence of the judiciary when judges and justices do not have a fitting environment to work and live. If we truly want an independent judiciary, we must provide modern courts and decent accommodation. That is exactly what Mr. President has directed us to do, and we are delivering on that mandate,” Wike said.
Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, said the Court of Appeal complex serves as a fitting gift to commemorate the court’s 50th anniversary. He described the commissioning as a historic moment for Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic development.
He also thanked the Renewed Hope Administration for implementing comprehensive measures aimed at improving judicial welfare, infrastructure, institutional capacity, and manpower.
“No administration in recent history has provided the level of support to the judiciary that we have witnessed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. From welfare improvements to infrastructure development and institutional strengthening, these interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and strengthening our democracy,” the Attorney General said.
Also, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, noted that the Abuja Division had long struggled with only two courtrooms despite handling a heavy caseload.
She expressed confidence that the new complex, equipped with ten modern courtrooms and advanced technological facilities, would significantly expand the court’s capacity, support digital judicial processes, and accelerate the resolution of cases.
“With 10 courts, what it means is that in a day we can actually sit in 20 panels. Because when we add time for urgent matters, as in political matters, we have morning and afternoon sessions. So you can imagine having 10 panels of justices sitting in the morning and then in the afternoon another 10, unlike previously when we had just two courts. So definitely this is a great jump for us.”
In a vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and support for transformative infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to her, “This project reflects our collective commitment to building a stronger judiciary and a better Nigeria. We appreciate President Tinubu for his unwavering support and Barrister Nyesom Wike for his relentless drive in delivering impactful projects that are changing the face of the FCT.”
The commissioning of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Building Complex stands as a powerful symbol of the Federal Government’s commitment to judicial reform, institutional excellence, and a renewed dedication to ensuring that justice is administered in an environment worthy of its sacred responsibility.