Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike has revealed that he has received a presidential directive to build a new Court of Appeal in Abuja.
The minister made this revelation while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts of Record at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, held yesterday.
Wike explained that the move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda towards ensuring that the judiciary works in an environment that supports the delivery of justice without fear or favour.
Consequently, Wike said Tinubu has directed the setting up of a new Court of Appeal division for the FCT, which would be completed in the next 15 months, as well as the construction of houses for judges of the High Court and their counterparts in Magistrates courts in the capital city.
‘In Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), we are committed to fostering an environment that supports the judiciary in dispensing justice without fear or favour.
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‘We recognise the importance of a well-equipped and adequate staff force as well as the need for continuous education to ensure that our judges are abreast of the latest developments in jurisprudence.
‘I am pleased to report that efforts are underway to enhance the infrastructure of our court facilities, including the welfare of judicial officers.
‘The President has directed that we should, with immediate effect, construct a new Court of Appeal division of Abuja and that must be completed in 15 months.
‘And the President also directed that we should construct houses for the FCT judges and magistrates in Abuja and also directed that judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal in Abuja division must be given new quarters,’ he added.
He commended the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for its commitment to providing a platform for judges across the country to converge, exchange ideas, and engage in substantive discussions on pressing legal issues.
Wike added: ‘While it (the conference) remains one of the most anticipated events for judges in Nigeria, it also provides a platform for them to stay abreast of evolving legal issues, share best practices and collectively strategize on ways to enhance the administration of justice in Nigeria.’
In his keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the NJI, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stressed that the conference is strategic and serves the dual purpose of stock-taking and visioning.