According to the report from the Vanguard, The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, announced that President Bola Tinubu is actively working to enhance the judiciary, aiming to bolster the administration of justice.
During the inauguration ceremony for the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex on Wednesday, Wike emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment. "President Tinubu’s approval for the construction of the Appeal Court Complex, accommodation for judges and justices, and retirement homes highlights the importance attached to the judiciary," Wike stated.
Wike elaborated on the significance of these initiatives, linking them to the broader goals of the administration. "There are things that must be done for us to get it right, and one of the things that must be done for this country to move forward is to put the judiciary where it is supposed to be, This is the essence of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda."
The Minister recalled that during the 2023 Legal Year, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem, had requested the establishment of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and adequate accommodation for judges. "I took the matter to President Tinubu, and he graciously approved," Wike remarked,
Underscoring the balanced approach to governance. "There are three arms of government, the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, and all must be treated equally."
Wike assured that the project, which is slated to be completed before September 2025, would not extend beyond the planned timeframe. "I would not be a party to a project that would take more than two years to deliver," he asserted. The project is budgeted at N37 billion, with N30 billion already allocated in the 2024 budget.
He also issued a stern warning to the contractor, Visible Construction, emphasizing the importance of adhering to deadlines. "You have collected the first set of money; I don’t want to hear it has been raining, You collected the money when it was raining, so you must also do the job as it is raining."
Wike noted that although the contract was initially set for completion in 16 months, the contractor has committed to delivering within 12 to 13 months, provided that funds are available.
This development signifies a critical step in the ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s judiciary and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of justice delivery across the country.