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Tinubu Charges Judiciary on Speedy Justice, Commissions New Court of Appeal Complex in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged judicial officers across Nigeria to ensure the delivery of swift, fair, and impartial justice, warning that delays and inefficiencies in the legal system could undermine public confidence in democracy.
The President made the call on Monday during the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said the judiciary must remain accessible to all Nigerians regardless of status, ethnicity, or financial standing.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu described the new court complex as a major milestone under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing that a nation committed to justice must provide adequate infrastructure for its judicial institutions.
According to him, it was unacceptable that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years from inadequate facilities. He noted that the new complex, which features two large courtrooms and eight smaller ones, would enhance the speedy dispensation of justice, reduce case backlogs, and contribute to decongesting correctional centres.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within the promised timeframe.
“You promised 16 months and delivered in record time. No excuses, no variation, just results,” Tinubu said, praising the minister for aligning with the administration’s judicial reform agenda.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law through increased funding, judicial restructuring, and reforms aimed at improving governance.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, welcomed the development, describing the new facility as a significant boost to the administration of justice.
She revealed that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms, a situation that hampered the timely resolution of cases. She expressed confidence that the new complex would greatly improve judicial efficiency and case management.
Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked the Federal Government for prioritising the justice sector, noting that a functional judiciary remains essential for democratic stability and national development.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that President Tinubu approved the construction of the new complex after being informed of the poor condition of the previous facility.
He added that the President also approved interventions in other key judicial institutions, including the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and the Code of Conduct Tribunal within the FCT.
Wike stressed that judicial independence cannot be fully realised without adequate infrastructure and decent accommodation for judges.
Also speaking at the event, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the facility as a fitting gift to the judiciary as it marks its 50th anniversary.
Fagbemi stated that the Tinubu administration has provided unprecedented support for the judiciary, adding that no recent government has invested as significantly in the sector.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, said the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring an efficient and effective justice system for all Nigerians.