President Bola Tinubu on Monday commissioned the newly constructed Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja, describing the facility as a landmark investment in Nigeria’s judiciary and a reflection of his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration ceremony, the President said the project underscores the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen democratic institutions and provide a conducive environment for the effective administration of justice under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu noted that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years from inadequate temporary facilities, a situation he said was inconsistent with the status and importance of the institution within Nigeria’s justice system.
According to him, the newly completed complex represents more than a physical structure, serving as a symbol of government’s resolve to restore dignity to public institutions and reinforce the foundations of democracy.
“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. A nation that seeks justice must respect the temple of justice,” the President said.
He recalled directing immediate intervention after being informed of the poor condition of the former facility, expressing satisfaction that the project had now been completed.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within the stipulated timeframe, describing him as a results-driven administrator.
The President said the complex, which features two large courtrooms and eight additional courtrooms, would enhance judicial efficiency, accelerate the resolution of cases, improve access to justice, and help reduce congestion in correctional centres.
He added that the project aligns with broader judicial reforms being implemented by his administration, including increased funding for the judiciary, digitisation of court processes, construction of additional judicial infrastructure, and support for legal education.
Tinubu urged justices of the Court of Appeal to remain steadfast in dispensing justice fairly and impartially.
“Let justice be swift, fair and blind to status, ethnicity or wealth. Every citizen must feel confident that the courts remain a place of hope and fairness,” he said.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project was initiated after the President of the Court of Appeal raised concerns about the condition of the division’s former office accommodation.
According to Wike, President Tinubu immediately approved the construction of a modern court complex and directed the FCT Administration to also provide residential accommodation for judicial officers.
He explained that the intervention had since expanded to include housing projects for judges of the Federal High Court, FCT High Court, National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Wike stressed that judicial independence must be supported by adequate infrastructure and welfare for judicial officers.
“You cannot talk about judicial independence when judges and justices do not have a conducive environment to work and live. Infrastructure remains a critical component of an independent judiciary,” he said.
The minister revealed that he personally monitored the construction process through frequent site inspections to ensure quality delivery and timely completion.
He added that the project had spurred infrastructural development in the Dakibiyu area, including the construction of access roads and other supporting facilities that have attracted increased investment to the community.
Wike also urged residents of the FCT to fulfil their civic obligations by paying ground rents and other statutory charges, noting that government revenue remains essential for the delivery of public infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the judiciary and Nigeria’s democratic development.
Fagbemi noted that the commissioning coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal, describing the facility as a fitting golden jubilee gift to the institution.
He praised the Tinubu administration for what he termed unprecedented support for the judiciary, citing the upward review of judicial officers’ remuneration, enhanced budgetary allocations, appointment of judges, and ongoing investment in judicial infrastructure.
According to him, these interventions have strengthened the capacity of the judiciary, improved efficiency in the justice sector and enhanced access to justice for Nigerians.
Fagbemi added that the administration’s sustained investment in court infrastructure and welfare for judicial officers demonstrates a clear commitment to preserving judicial independence and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
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