President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on judges to ensure swift and fair delivery of justice, warning that delays in the justice system could weaken democratic stability. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the inauguration of the Abuja Division Building Complex of the Court of Appeal in Dakibiyu, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that justice must be both fair and swift to maintain public confidence.
Backlog Reduction and Judicial Challenges
The Court of Appeal entered the 2025/2026 legal year with 31,618 pending appeals and 3,382 pending motions, according to figures presented by the President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem. She noted that the backlog had reduced from 41,952 appeals in the previous legal year to 31,618 as of October 2025. However, election petitions, constitutional matters, and other complex appeals continue to place heavy pressure on the court's docket.
President's Call for Fairness
During the inauguration, Tinubu stated, "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 acknowledged the workload of judges, particularly at the Abuja Division, and stressed that the new complex aligns with his administration's judicial reform agenda.
New Complex and Infrastructure
The facility includes two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms, which Tinubu said would improve case handling and support faster justice delivery. He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project within the agreed 16-month timeline, noting, "No excuses. No variation. Just results." The FCT Administration also supported judicial reforms through construction of court facilities and residences for judges, as well as digitization efforts.
Criticism: Reforms, Not Buildings
Lawyer and public affairs analyst Frank Tietie criticized the focus on infrastructure, calling it "self-deception of the highest order." He argued that backlog reduction depends on systemic reform, not physical expansion. "People do not need buildings to resolve appeals," he said, advocating for electronic filing, digital hearings, and artificial intelligence in legal research and case management.
Support from Officials
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike revealed that similar interventions were approved for the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court, and Code of Conduct Tribunal. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi noted that the project coincided with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, highlighting the president's consistent support for the judiciary.
Court President's Optimism
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the new complex would significantly improve the administration of justice, noting that the Abuja division previously operated from only two courtrooms, which contributed to delays. She thanked Tinubu, Shettima, and Wike for their support in strengthening the justice sector.
