President Bola Tinubu on Monday called on appellate judges across Nigeria to uphold justice that is swift, fair and blind to status, ethnicity or financial standing, warning that a compromised judiciary remains a threat to democratic stability.
President Tinubu gave the charge during the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja.
Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the completion of the complex aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects efforts to restore dignity and efficiency to key national institutions.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, the President urged judicial officers to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
“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 stated.
The President noted that the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years in inadequate facilities despite handling major constitutional and election-related matters.
Reflecting on an earlier visit to the court premises, he said the response was immediate.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” he said.
The newly commissioned complex features two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms, significantly expanding capacity and expected to improve case management and reduce delays in justice delivery.
The President said improved infrastructure would help accelerate case resolution, reduce congestion in correctional centres and reinforce confidence in the rule of law.
“This is how you honour the Judiciary. This is how you strengthen democracy,” he added.
Background
The Court of Appeal is Nigeria’s intermediate appellate court and plays a central role in resolving election petitions, constitutional disputes and appeals from lower courts. Concerns over judicial delays, infrastructure deficits and case backlogs have remained major issues in justice sector reform conversations.
President Tinubu linked the project to broader institutional reforms under his administration, saying similar interventions were ongoing across sectors including education, healthcare, power and transportation.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the President, Mr Wike moved swiftly after receiving approval for the project in May 2024 and ensured completion within the promised timeline.
“You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results,” he said.
President Tinubu further acknowledged efforts to improve judicial infrastructure beyond the Court of Appeal, including projects involving the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court and Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Earlier, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said inadequate infrastructure had affected the speed of justice delivery over the years.
Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms, creating operational limitations.
She expressed confidence that the expanded facility would improve efficiency and strengthen administration of justice.
In his remarks, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said judicial independence cannot thrive without suitable working conditions and proper accommodation for judicial officers.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a landmark intervention and a symbolic milestone for Nigeria’s judiciary.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, added that the project demonstrates government commitment to making justice more accessible and efficient for Nigerians.
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