Atlantic Post

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a historic ceremony on July 3, 2024, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukoyade Ariwoola, alongside prominent legal and government officials, performed the groundbreaking for the new Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex. The event, held at Dakibiyu, Jabi District, Abuja, signifies a monumental step in the Nigerian judiciary’s journey toward enhanced efficiency and infrastructure.

Presidential and Ministerial Support for the Judiciary

Justice Ariwoola expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for their unwavering support of the judiciary. He acknowledged their critical roles in ensuring the approval and commencement of the construction of the five-storey court complex, which is poised to significantly boost the judiciary’s functionality.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is epoch-making,” declared the Chief Justice. “This facility will greatly enhance the functions of the courts and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law.”

A Commitment to Equal Treatment for All Government Arms

In his remarks, FCT Minister Barrister Wike emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the judiciary, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He recounted how President Tinubu promptly approved the construction request during a session of the Federal Executive Council, underscoring the President’s stance on equal treatment for all government branches.

“Mr. President said, ‘Why do you need to wait? After all, it is the FCT that rehabilitated the National Assembly Phase 1 and Phase 2, which are arms of government. So, why are we not going to do it for this arm of government? The three arms of government must be treated equally,’ and he gave that approval,” Wike recounted.

Financial Commitment and Monitoring

The construction of the Appeal Court Complex, estimated to cost N37 billion, has received adequate budgetary provision, assured the FCT Minister. He pledged to personally monitor the project’s execution to ensure timely completion by next year, aiming to have the facility ready for the 2025 legal year celebration.

“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 while it is raining,” Barrister Wike firmly told the contractor, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the project timeline.

Comprehensive Housing Plans for Judicial Officers

In addition to the court complex, Barrister Wike announced President Tinubu’s approval for the construction of 40 houses for the Justices of the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Courts. He also disclosed plans for retirement homes for heads of courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT, the President of the National Industrial Court, and the President of the Court of Appeal.

“I want to assure you, by the grace of God, the foundation of these homes will be laid this August and before September next year, you will all have your keys to your houses,” Wike promised.

Furthermore, additional courtrooms for Magistrates in Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki Districts of the FCT will be provided, addressing requests made by the Chief Judge of the FCT. These projects are slated for completion by the next legal year, ensuring comprehensive support for the judiciary at various levels.

A Beacon of Hope for Justice Delivery

Hon Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, expressed deep appreciation to the FCT Minister for fulfilling his promises. She highlighted the importance of the new complex in providing a conducive environment for the dispensation of justice, enhancing the judiciary’s capacity to serve the nation effectively.

The ceremony also featured remarks from the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who emphasized the judiciary’s vital role in society. He described the new complex as a beacon of hope that will provide an ideal environment for justice delivery.

Historical Significance and Engineering Excellence

Yakubu Maikyau, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, delivered a goodwill message, thanking President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for initiating the project, 48 years after the creation of the FCT. This milestone reflects a long-overdue commitment to strengthening the judiciary’s infrastructure.

Providing an overview of the complex, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, detailed its features, including administrative offices, file rooms, and conveniences. He assured that the FCDA will supervise the project to ensure world-class engineering standards and urged the contractor to deliver high-quality work within the agreed schedule.

Handing Over the Certificate of Occupancy

A significant highlight of the event was the handing over of the plot’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) by the FCT Minister to the President of the Court of Appeal. This formalized the judiciary’s ownership of the land, paving the way for the construction to commence in earnest.

Enhancing Judicial Infrastructure for a Brighter Future

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Court of Appeal complex is not just a construction milestone but a symbol of the Nigerian judiciary’s future aspirations. It embodies a commitment to creating a more robust, efficient, and accessible judicial system, underpinned by modern infrastructure and unwavering support from the government.

As Nigeria moves forward with these ambitious projects, the judiciary’s capacity to uphold justice and rule of law will be significantly strengthened. The collaboration between the executive and judicial branches, as demonstrated by this event, sets a positive precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s governance structures.

A Historic Day for the Nigerian Judiciary

In conclusion, July 3, 2024, will be remembered as a historic day for the Nigerian judiciary. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s legal history. With the steadfast support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the judiciary is poised to achieve greater heights in its mission to deliver justice efficiently and equitably.

As the construction of the new complex progresses, all eyes will be on its timely completion and the subsequent positive impact on the judiciary’s operations. The commitment to enhancing judicial infrastructure, providing housing for judicial officers, and ensuring equal treatment for all government arms reflects a visionary approach to governance that prioritizes the rule of law and the welfare of its citizens.

The Nigerian judiciary, buoyed by these developments, stands ready to fulfill its constitutional mandate with renewed vigor and dedication, paving the way for a brighter and more just future for all Nigerians.