President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s appellate judges to uphold justice that is timely, fair and free from influence based on social status, ethnicity or wealth, warning that any compromise in the judicial system could undermine the country’s democracy.
The President made the appeal on Monday during the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex located in Dakibiyu, Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Tinubu described the completion of the project as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at restoring confidence and dignity in public institutions, particularly the judiciary.
Addressing the judges, Tinubu urged them to ensure that justice remains accessible to all Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
He officially commissioned the facility, dedicating it to the service of justice and national development.
The President recalled his earlier visit to the court and expressed dissatisfaction with the condition under which one of the country’s most important appellate divisions had been operating.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” Tinubu stated.
The newly completed complex features two large courtrooms and eight additional smaller courtrooms, expanding significantly from the division’s previous capacity of only two courtrooms.
According to Tinubu, the improved infrastructure is expected to speed up case resolution, strengthen the rule of law and reduce congestion in correctional facilities.
He said the development reflects the government’s broader effort to strengthen democratic institutions.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is action. We said we would restore the dignity of our institutions. We are doing it for the Judiciary. We are doing it in health, education, roads and power. Brick by brick, we are rebuilding Nigeria,” he added.
Acknowledging the demanding workload of judges handling election petitions and constitutional matters, Tinubu said the new environment was not an act of generosity but a necessary investment.
“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,” he told the judiciary.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for completing the project within the promised timeline.
According to Tinubu, Wike took up the assignment in May 2024, mobilised contractors by July and delivered the project without delays or cost variations.
Beyond the Court of Appeal complex, Tinubu praised ongoing efforts to improve judicial infrastructure across the FCT, including interventions at the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Earlier, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the new facility would significantly improve justice delivery.
She explained that the Abuja Division had operated for years with inadequate courtroom space, which slowed judicial processes.
“The lack of infrastructure had slowed the speedy delivery of justice over the years,” she said, expressing optimism that the new complex would enhance efficiency.
In his remarks, Wike revealed that he personally drew the President’s attention to the poor state of the court facility, prompting approval for both the new complex and improved residential accommodation for judges.
He stressed that judicial independence cannot thrive without proper workspaces and living conditions.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a symbolic gift marking the judiciary’s 50th anniversary and coinciding with the third year of the Tinubu administration.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, said the project demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a justice system capable of serving Nigerians more effectively.
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