TINUBU COMMISSIONS COURT OF APPEAL COMPLEX, TASKS JUDICIARY ON QUICK, FAIR, BLIND JUSTICE

By: Wisdom Acka

President Bola Tinubu officially commissioned the newly constructed Court of Appeal Complex for the Abuja Division in Dakibiyu District, Abuja on Monday, 15 June, 2026,

The President declared that the edifice is not only a building but a definitive statement of his administration’s commitment to the rule of law under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President stated that the complex replaces a previously cramped and temporary facility, which he deemed unacceptable for a nation that seeks justice, affirming that the judiciary must be respected in a fitting temple of justice.

He specially commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, whom he hailed as “Mr. Project,” for delivering the world-class complex within the promised 16-month timeline “without excuses or variations.”

The President detailed that the facility, which is equipped with two large and eight smaller courtrooms, is designed to ensure speedy attention to legal cases, uphold the rule of law, maintain order in the FCT, and reduce congestion in correctional centres.

Tinubu emphasised that the project is a concrete effort to domesticate the judicial reform thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes building more courts, constructing residences for judicial officers, digitising processes, and supporting legal education.

Asserting that providing a conducive environment is the right of the judiciary, not a favour, he pledged that his administration would do more to support the arm of government that operates under immense pressure.

The President also praised the indigenous contractor, Visible Construction Limited, for demonstrating the capacity of local firms to deliver high-quality projects on time, aligning with his administration’s policy of supporting Nigerian businesses. He congratulated the people of the FCT for their patience during the construction and assured them of better access to justice.

In his charge to the Justices, President Tinubu tasked the judiciary to ensure that justice in the new complex is swift, fair, and blind to status, tribe, or wealth, so that the common man would see the court as his last hope.

He stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is action, not a slogan, evident in the ongoing rebuilding of institutions across health, education, roads, and power.

The President concluded by commissioning the complex to the glory of God for the service of justice and the benefit of Nigeria, expressing his desire that the edifice stands as a symbol of democracy and delivers judgments that unite and strengthen the nation.

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, expressed profound gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the FCT Administration.

The Minister recounted how he informed the President about the poor condition of the court’s previous location and the need for befitting accommodation for judicial officers, leading to a directive for comprehensive intervention.

Wike revealed that the commissioning is part of a 31-day series of project inaugurations marking the administration’s third anniversary, following nine days in the first year and 19 days in the second.

He argued that true judicial independence is impossible without providing a fitting working and living environment for judicial officers, a belief he shares with the President.

The Minister detailed the administration’s holistic plan, noting that commissioning of the complex would be followed by the handover of residential quarters for judges of the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, as well as the flag-off of projects for the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Stressing the President’s insistence that all projects started must be completed within this administration, Wike shared his strict approach to supervision, revealing that he visited the site over 20 times to ensure standards were met, even as he praised the contractor for heeding corrections.

The Minister also highlighted the transformative impact of the project, noting that the construction of the access road has spurred rapid development in the previously undeveloped area.

He ended his remarks by calling for responsible citizenship, urging attendees who were appreciative of the new development to ensure they have paid their ground rents and tenement rates, which fund such public infrastructure, and warning that defaulters risk forfeiting their land.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in a vote of thanks  ealier described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and enhancing access to justice. She stated that the edifice represents more than a physical structure, symbolising the nation’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and judicial excellence.

Dr. Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said continues to translate bold ideas into transformative projects that reinforce public institutions. She paid tribute to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his determination in delivering world-class infrastructure that reflects Abuja’s status as a modern capital city.

She expressed optimism that the new complex would serve as a sanctuary where fairness triumphs over favour, truth prevails over falsehood, and justice is dispensed without delay.

The Minister of State concluded that the development would ultimately reinforce public confidence in the nation’s judicial system, ensuring it remains a pillar of democracy.