**Commissions new Abuja Court of Appeal complex; praises Wike for fast-tracking judicial infrastructure

President Bola Tinubu on Monday challenged judges across the country to deliver justice swiftly and fairly, warning that prolonged delays in court proceedings risk eroding public confidence in the judiciary and undermining democratic governance.

The President said Nigerians must not be subjected to endless litigation and mounting case backlogs, stressing that the courts must remain accessible to all citizens irrespective of status, ethnicity or financial standing.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of the newly completed Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja, Tinubu said a justice system that is slow or perceived to be compromised poses a threat to national stability and the rule of law.

He urged judicial officers occupying the new facility to ensure that justice is dispensed promptly and impartially.

“To My Lords Justices, as you move into this complex, Nigeria asks one thing of you: let justice be swift. Let it be fair. Let it be blind to status, tribe or purse. Let the common man feel that this court is truly his last hope,” the President said.

Tinubu described the completion of the court complex as part of his administration’s broader effort to strengthen institutions and improve governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, it was unacceptable that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years from inadequate facilities despite its strategic role in handling election petitions, constitutional disputes and other high-profile cases.

“A nation that seeks justice must honour 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.

The President said the new facility, equipped with two large courtrooms and eight additional court halls, would accelerate case management, reduce delays in adjudication and contribute to decongesting correctional centres through quicker resolution of matters.

He further linked the project to his administration’s judicial reform agenda, which includes increased funding for the judiciary, improved infrastructure and measures aimed at strengthening the rule of law.

“This is how you honour the judiciary. This is how you strengthen democracy,” he said, adding that his government remained committed to rebuilding public institutions across critical sectors.

Tinubu reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for completing the project within the stipulated timeline.

The President noted that Wike took up the assignment in May 2024, mobilised contractors to site by July and delivered the project without delays or cost variations.

“You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results. Nigerians can see the difference,” he said.

He also applauded the minister for aligning with the administration’s judicial reform agenda through the construction of additional courts, judges’ residences, digitisation of court processes and support for legal education within the FCT.

Addressing judicial officers, Tinubu acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on the Court of Appeal, particularly the Abuja Division, which handles a significant volume of politically sensitive and 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 said.

Earlier, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the new complex would significantly improve the administration of justice.

She recalled that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms, a situation that constrained judicial activities and contributed to delays in the determination of cases.

According to her, the expanded facility would enhance efficiency and enable the court to respond more effectively to the growing volume of litigation.

She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and the FCT administration for prioritising investment in judicial infrastructure.

In his remarks, Wike said the intervention followed discussions with the President on the poor condition of facilities available to the Court of Appeal and the need to provide a conducive environment for judicial officers.

He disclosed that Tinubu subsequently approved not only the construction of the Court of Appeal complex and judges’ quarters but also rehabilitation and infrastructure support for the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal within the FCT.

The minister argued that genuine judicial independence cannot be achieved without adequate infrastructure and decent accommodation for judges.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a landmark gift to the judiciary as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal.

Fagbemi said President Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening the judiciary through unprecedented financial and infrastructural support.

According to him, few administrations in recent history have invested as heavily in the justice sector as the current government.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, also hailed the project as evidence of the Federal Government’s determination to build a more efficient and responsive justice system for Nigerians.