Chidinma Iroegbu
The Federal Government has intensified judicial reforms and infrastructure renewal with the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and access to justice.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the project reflects the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises institutional strengthening, improved governance and investment in the justice sector.
Shettima said the facility, which consists of two large courtrooms and eight smaller courtrooms, was designed to enhance judicial efficiency, reduce case backlog and improve the overall administration of justice in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan; it is action,” he said, adding that the administration is rebuilding national institutions through targeted reforms and infrastructure delivery.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project was initiated in May 2024 with strict directives that contractors must deliver within schedule and without variations, describing the commissioning as part of broader judicial infrastructure expansion in Abuja.
Wike disclosed that the administration is also constructing residential quarters for judicial officers, including Justices of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court Judges, National Industrial Court Judges and members of the Body of Benchers.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the complex as evidence of what he called unprecedented support for the judiciary under President Tinubu’s administration.
Fagbemi noted that the government recently approved a salary increase of over 300 per cent for judicial officers and ensured the Supreme Court operates at full strength through the appointment and confirmation of justices.
He added that the Court of Appeal project forms part of a wider national judicial infrastructure programme aimed at improving court efficiency and institutional capacity across the country.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the new complex would significantly enhance case handling capacity and introduce improved digital systems, including electronic filing and virtual hearings, to accelerate justice delivery.