President Bola Tinubu has warned that prolonged delays in court proceedings risk eroding public confidence in the judiciary and undermining democratic governance. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja, Tinubu urged judges across the country to deliver justice swiftly and fairly.
President calls for swift, impartial justice
Tinubu stressed that Nigerians must not be subjected to endless litigation and mounting case backlogs. He emphasized that courts must remain accessible to all citizens regardless of status, ethnicity, or financial standing. A justice system that is slow or perceived as compromised poses a threat to national stability and the rule of law, he said.
“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 stated.
New complex part of broader reform agenda
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. He noted that for years, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal operated 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 new facility is equipped with two large courtrooms and eight additional court halls. Tinubu said this would accelerate case management, reduce delays in adjudication, and contribute to decongesting correctional centres through quicker resolution of matters. He linked the project to his administration’s judicial reform agenda, which includes increased funding for the judiciary, improved infrastructure, and measures to strengthen the rule of law.
Commendation for Wike and FCT administration
The President reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for completing the project within the stipulated timeline. Tinubu noted that Wike took up the assignment in May 2024, mobilised contractors 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,” Tinubu said.
He also applauded Wike 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.
Court of Appeal President praises new facility
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. 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.
Wike: Judicial independence requires adequate 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. He disclosed that Tinubu 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.
Attorney-General hails landmark gift to judiciary
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 has 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.
