President Bola Tinubu has urged appellate judges in Nigeria to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly, fairly, and without bias, warning that a compromised judiciary poses a serious threat to democratic stability.
Tinubu made the call on Monday while commissioning the new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division building complex at Dakibiyu. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, the President described the completion of the facility as part of his administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s 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,” Tinubu said.
He added that the commissioning of the new complex was a reflection of efforts to restore dignity to public institutions, particularly the judiciary, which he described as central to democracy.
Tinubu said it was unacceptable that such an important appellate court had operated from inadequate facilities for years, noting that immediate action was taken after an inspection of the old structure.
“When I visited and saw the condition, I gave a simple instruction: fix it. Today, we have fixed it,” he said.
The new Court of Appeal complex reportedly includes two large courtrooms and eight smaller ones, replacing the previous limited infrastructure. The President said the expansion would help accelerate case resolution, reduce congestion in correctional facilities, and improve public confidence in the justice system.
“With two large and eight smaller courtrooms, cases will now receive speedy attention. This will go a long way toward ensuring justice for all,” he stated.
He further described the project as part of broader reforms across sectors, including health, education, roads, and power, adding that the administration was “rebuilding Nigeria brick by brick.”
Tinubu also stressed that judicial officers deserve a conducive environment given the weight of their responsibilities, particularly in election petitions and constitutional matters.
“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,” he said.
The President praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the rapid delivery of the project, noting that construction began shortly after approval and was completed within schedule.
“You promised 16 months. You delivered in record time. No excuses. No variation. Just results,” he said.
He also highlighted Wike’s role in delivering other judicial infrastructure projects across the FCT, including courts and residences for judicial officers, as well as efforts to digitise judicial processes.
Earlier, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the new facility would significantly improve the pace of justice delivery, noting that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms.
“The lack of infrastructure had slowed the speedy delivery of justice over the years,” she said, expressing optimism that the new complex would address longstanding delays.
Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked the Federal Government for prioritising judicial infrastructure as a pillar of democratic stability.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the project was brought to the President’s attention due to its poor condition and that prompt approval enabled its swift completion.
“The independence of the judiciary is difficult to achieve when judges do not have a befitting work environment,” Wike said.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a milestone in judicial infrastructure development, while Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, said it reflected government commitment to an efficient justice system.
The new complex is expected to enhance judicial efficiency and strengthen confidence in the appellate court system as Nigeria continues efforts to improve governance and institutional performance.
