Court of Appeal Complex Construction Begins in AbujaCourt of Appeal Complex Construction Begins in Abuja Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has inaugurated the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary. Wike stated that the project, along with the approval of judges’ housing and retirement homes, demonstrates the government’s recognition of the judiciary’s importance. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to be well-positioned to ensure effective administration of justice. The minister explained that the project was initiated following a request from the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem. He assured that funding had been allocated for its timely completion within 16 months. The complex will feature 10 courts, administrative offices, and support facilities. It is expected to cost 37 billion naira, with 30 billion already allocated in the 2024 budget. Wike cautioned the contractor to adhere to deadlines and deliver the project without excuses. President Tinubu has also approved the construction of 40 houses for judges and magistrates, as well as retirement homes for court heads. Wike emphasized the importance of adequate courtrooms and facilities for magistrates in busy districts. He also announced plans to lay the foundation for housing and retirement homes by August 2023, with completion expected before September 2024. Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Ahmad, explained that the complex is located in Dakibiyu District and will provide essential amenities for judges and staff. Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Wike for their support, recognizing the judiciary’s role in maintaining justice. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the need for the judiciary to be independent and well-resourced, expressing appreciation for the government’s efforts in this regard.
WorldStage Newsonline– The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has said that President Bola Tinubu is repositioning the judiciary to strengthen the administration of justice.
Wike stated this on Wednesday during the opening of the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Complex in Abuja.
He said President Tinubu’s approval for the construction of the Court of Appeal, the housing for judges and justices and the old age homes is a testament to the importance attached to the judiciary.
“There are things that need to be done to get it right, and one of the things that needs to be done to move this country forward is to get the judiciary where it needs to be.
“This is the essence of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He explained that the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem, had requested accommodation for the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal during the 2023 judicial year.
He said: “I presented the matter to President Tinubu and he graciously approved it.
“There are three branches of government: the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, and they should all be treated equally.”
The minister stressed that the project would be completed before September 2025 and that he would not be part of a project that would take more than two years.
He said the project would be executed at a cost of 37 billion naira, adding that 30 billion naira had been provided for in the 2024 budget.
The minister warned the contractor, Visible Construction, not to collect any money and not to deliver the job, saying: “You have collected the first sum of money, I don’t want to hear that it rained.
“You collected the money when it rained, so you must also do your work when it rains.
“The contract was given to him to deliver within 16 months, but he promised to deliver between 12 and 13 months if funds became available,” Wike said.
He added that President Tinubu had also approved the construction of 40 houses to accommodate judges and magistrates.
He said that out of the 40 houses, 10 would be allocated to the Court of Appeal, 10 to the Federal High Court and 20 to the FCT courts.
He further said that Tinubu had also approved the construction of retirement homes for judges and magistrates, starting with the heads of the courts.
“The President has approved the construction of retirement homes for the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, the Chief Justice of the FCT, the President of the Industrial Tribunals and the President of the Court of Appeal.
“The FCT Chief Justice has also asked for more courtrooms for magistrates in Maitama, Asokoro and Garki districts.
“I want to ensure that the foundation of the housing and old age homes is laid in August and completed before September 2024,” Wike said.
Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Abuja branch of the Court of Appeal is located in Dakibiyu District.
Ahmad added that the complex is located near the Code of Conduct Bureau and the FCT High Court.
He said the five-storey complex would consist of 10 courts, comprising 10 suites for the judges, administrative offices for the registrar, support staff and filing rooms for the storage of case documents.
Other amenities, he said, include restrooms and relaxation areas for the judges.
Earlier, Dongban-Mensem thanked Wike and Tinubu for recognising the role of the judiciary and taking measures to provide the judiciary with what is needed to carry out its function.
“This marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to strengthen the administration of justice in our great country,” she said.
Speaking at the opening of the complex, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode, thanked Ariwoola Tinubu, Attorney General and Wike for the support to the judiciary.
“All the judiciary needs is to be left alone to perform its role as unhindered as possible. Once you take care of the judiciary, you take care of justice,” he said.
