ABUJA – In a significant milestone, the Chief Justice of Nigeria , Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu Abuja, marking a major leap forward for Nigeria’s judicial infrastructure.

The state-of-the-art five-storey building will house ten courtrooms and offices, greatly expanding the Court’s capacity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Ariwoola expressed profound gratitude to Minister Nyesom Wike and the Federal Capital Development Authority for their visionary leadership and support.

He emphasized the judiciary’s reliance on the FCT for its operational needs and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice, ensuring peace, and upholding the rule of law.

The new facilities will greatly enhance the Court’s functionality, and the judiciary is committed to utilizing them effectively to serve the nation. This development demonstrates the government’s dedication to strengthening the judicial system, ensuring access to justice, and promoting the rule of law in Nigeria, he said.

FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made judicial infrastructure a top priority. He shared a telling anecdote, “When I presented the memo, the President’s immediate response was ‘Approved!’ That speaks volumes about his commitment to the judiciary.”

Wike hailed the groundbreaking ceremony as a historic moment, noting that it’s during Chief Justice Ariwoola’s tenure that the Court of Appeal division will finally have a dedicated structure. He expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for swiftly approving the project, recalling the President’s words, “Why wait? The FCT has already rehabilitated the National Assembly phases 1 and 2, an arm of government. Let’s do the same for the judiciary.”

Wike pledged to ensure the project’s timely completion, stating, “This 37-billion-naira project has already been allocated 30 billion naira in the budget. I’m committed to delivering it within the scheduled timeframe, not in two years as usual. We’ll get it done as planned, thanks to Mr. President’s vision and support.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi expressed concern that the judiciary, once the hope of the common man, has become inaccessible to all but the wealthy. He envisioned the complex as a beacon of truth and protector of people’s rights.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, commended Wike for fulfilling his promise and noted that the edifice will facilitate swifter justice in Nigeria, emphasizing that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Yakubu Maikyau, thanked Tinubu and Wike for initiating the long-awaited complex, 48 years after FCT’s creation, despite 16 past ministers neglecting the judiciary’s needs. Maikyau stressed that justice is essential to human existence and urged Court Justices to remain focused and eagle-like in administering justice to citizens.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, expressed gratitude to Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of FCT, and FCDA management for their support and vision. She also thanked guests, partners, and stakeholders for their contributions, acknowledging the organizing team’s hard work.

She concluded by urging everyone to remain committed to justice, fairness, and the rule of law as they look forward to the completion of the Appeal Court complex in Abuja.

Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, Executive Secretary of FCDA, in his address of welcome and project overview said
the project is awarded to Messrs Visible Construction Nigeria Limited and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.

He emphasized the project’s importance in fulfilling the administration’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment for judicial officers, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The complex will feature ten courtrooms, suites for justices, administrative offices, file rooms, and conveniences, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient judicial system. FCDA has pledged to maintain world-class engineering standards, urging the contractor and supervision team to deliver high-quality work and meet the expected timeline.