By Becky Momodu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly constructed Court of Appeal Complex for the Abuja Division in Dakibiyu District, describing the facility as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice in Nigeria.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration ceremony on Monday, the President said the state-of-the-art complex reflects the judicial reform objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores the government’s dedication to building stronger institutions.
Tinubu noted that the new complex replaces a cramped and temporary facility that was inadequate for the nation’s judiciary, stressing that judicial officers deserve a dignified and conducive environment in which to dispense justice.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within the promised 16-month timeline, describing him as “Mr. Project” for his commitment to infrastructure development.
The facility comprises two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms designed to enhance the speedy dispensation of justice, reduce case backlogs, and ease congestion in correctional centres.
According to Tinubu, the project is part of broader judicial reforms that include the construction of additional courts and residences for judicial officers, the digitisation of court processes, and support for legal education.
“Providing a conducive working environment for the judiciary is not a favour but a right,” the President said, pledging continued support for the arm of government tasked with upholding justice under immense pressure.
He also praised the indigenous contractor, Visible Construction Limited, for demonstrating the capacity of Nigerian firms to deliver world-class projects on schedule and to high standards.
Charging judicial officers to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, Tinubu urged them to ensure that justice remains swift, fair, and blind to status, tribe, or wealth.
“The common man must continue to see the courts as his last hope,” he said.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting efforts to improve judicial infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike explained that the project was conceived after he drew the President’s attention to the poor condition of the Court of Appeal’s former location and the need to provide better facilities for judicial officers.
He disclosed that the inauguration forms part of a 31-day project commissioning programme marking the administration’s third anniversary.
The Minister emphasized that judicial independence cannot be fully achieved without adequate working and residential facilities for judges and court personnel. He announced that the administration would soon hand over residential quarters for judges of the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, while projects for the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal would also commence.
Wike revealed that he personally visited the project site more than 20 times to ensure quality standards were maintained throughout construction.
He further noted that the access road built to serve the complex has already stimulated development in the previously underdeveloped Dakibiyu area.
The Minister also called on residents to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying ground rents and tenement rates, noting that such revenues are essential for funding public infrastructure projects.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening democratic institutions and improving access to justice.
She said the new Court of Appeal Complex symbolizes Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and judicial excellence, expressing confidence that it would reinforce public trust in the judiciary and serve as a pillar of democracy for generations to come.