POLITICAL Economy

Tinubu Backs Judiciary Infrastructure to Deepen Democracy

by admin on | 2026-07-06 22:17:24

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By Abdullahi Muhammad, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, emphasising that modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is key to deepening the rule of law.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President spoke at the commissioning of the Office Annex for the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District. He described the project as a symbol of the Federal Government’s resolve to build resilient institutions that support justice and national development.

“It is with profound honour and a great sense of national purpose that I stand before you today to officially commission this state-of-the-art Office Annex for the Body of Benchers,” Tinubu said.

“Today’s ceremony is not merely a celebration of a beautiful edifice crafted with architectural excellence. It is a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.”

The President noted that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that democracy can only thrive where institutions are strong, independent and properly equipped to carry out their constitutional roles.

“When we took the oath of office, we promised Nigerians a Renewed Hope. We made it clear that democracy cannot thrive in a vacuum; it requires strong, resilient and well-equipped institutions to anchor it.”

He described the Body of Benchers as a critical institution responsible for legal education and discipline, adding that it deserves infrastructure that reflects its national importance.

“The Body of Benchers stands at the very apex of this institutional framework. It is only fitting that an institution of such monumental national significance is housed in an edifice that reflects its prestige, responsibility and dignity,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but rather fulfils the government’s constitutional duty to support institutions that interpret and uphold the law.

He disclosed that, in addition to the annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, completed an access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University, and begun work on a new fire service station for the district.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering key infrastructure projects and advancing Abuja’s development.

“When I appointed Wike, I gave him a clear mandate to transform Abuja into a modern, functional and world-class capital city. Over the last three years, the scale of infrastructural development, urban renewal and project delivery in the FCT has been unmatched,” he said.

He cited projects such as the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters and the Outer Southern Expressway as evidence of ongoing progress in the capital.

“The timely completion and handover of this Body of Benchers Annex is yet another feather in that cap of accelerated governance. It shows that when leadership is focused, things get done, and they get done right.”

Tinubu urged the leadership of the Body of Benchers to utilise the facility as a hub for justice, mentorship and legal reform.

“My administration will continue to play its part, ensuring that our judicial officers are well-housed, well-remunerated and provided with the tools to dispense justice without fear or favour,” he added.

Earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike attributed the project’s completion to presidential support and timely funding, noting that the administration prioritises initiatives that strengthen justice institutions.

He explained that the annex was proposed by a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo, who requested additional office space after the annual budget had been passed. The proposal was later included in a supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly.

“Luckily, he prayed very well and Mr President said, ‘Put it in the supplementary budget.’ That was approved by the National Assembly, and today we are here commissioning the project,” Wike said.

Wike added that a new road to ease traffic congestion around the institution had been completed and would soon be commissioned.

He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting justice sector institutions and addressing further needs to enhance their operations.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, described the annex as a major boost to legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice.

He called for sustained collaboration between government and partners to protect public infrastructure and improve access to justice.