Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Deliver Swift, Fair Justice as New Court of Appeal Complex Opens in Abuja
Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Deliver Swift, Fair Justice as New Court of Appeal Complex Opens in Abuja
Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Deliver Swift, Fair Justice as New Court of Appeal Complex Opens in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the Nigerian judiciary to ensure the speedy and impartial administration of justice, warning that a compromised legal system poses a threat to democratic stability and public confidence.
The President made the call on Monday while commissioning the new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division Building Complex in Dakibiyu, Abuja. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Addressing judges and judicial officers, President Tinubu stressed that justice must be accessible to all Nigerians regardless of social status, ethnicity, or financial standing.
“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 said.
He noted that the administration of justice must be both fair and timely to restore public confidence in the judiciary and reduce frustration caused by prolonged case backlogs and delays in adjudication.
The President described the newly commissioned court complex as a key component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening institutions and improving governance through judicial reforms and increased investment in the justice sector.
According to him, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had operated for years from inadequate facilities, a situation he described as unacceptable for a nation committed to upholding the rule of law.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” he said.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within the agreed timeline and for advancing judicial infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.
“You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results. Nigerians can see the difference,” he stated.
The President said the world-class facility, which includes two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms, would enhance the speedy determination of cases, reduce congestion in correctional centres, and strengthen the administration of justice.
“This is how you honour the Judiciary. This is how you strengthen democracy,” he added.
He further noted that the project aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to improve governance through judicial restructuring, institutional reforms, and increased funding for the justice sector.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the enormous responsibilities carried by judges, particularly those serving in the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which handles election petitions, constitutional matters, and other significant cases.
“The eyes of Nigeria are on you. You deserve an environment that matches the weight of your responsibility. This complex is not a favour. It is your right. And we will do more,” he said.
Earlier, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the new complex as a major milestone that would significantly improve the administration of justice.
She revealed that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms, a situation that hindered the speedy resolution of cases.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and the FCT administration for prioritising the needs of the judiciary, noting that a strong justice system remains critical to democratic stability.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the President approved the construction of the court complex and judges’ residences after being briefed on the poor condition of existing facilities.
He added that similar interventions are also being carried out at the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and the Code of Conduct Tribunal within the FCT.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a landmark achievement and a fitting contribution to the judiciary as it marks its 50th anniversary.
He stated that President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated support for the judiciary, adding that no recent administration has made comparable investments in strengthening judicial institutions.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior judicial officers, government officials, members of the legal profession, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President) June 2026.
Tinubu Urges Judiciary to Deliver Swift, Fair Justice as New Court of Appeal Complex Opens in Abuja
