By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The completion of the new Court of Appeal Abuja Division Building Complex is expected to significantly improve the speed and efficiency of justice delivery in Nigeria’s capital, as judicial authorities seek to address longstanding infrastructure challenges affecting court operations.
The facility, commissioned on Monday in Dakibiyu, Abuja, provides the Court of Appeal with a permanent and modern workspace after years of operating from limited and inadequate facilities that constrained its ability to handle an increasing caseload.
President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the development marks a major turning point for the appellate court, which previously relied on only two courtrooms and frequently depended on other courts for additional sitting spaces.
According to her, the new complex features 10 fully equipped courtrooms and modern digital infrastructure designed to support electronic filing, digital record management and technology-driven court proceedings.
She noted that the facility would substantially increase the court’s capacity to hear cases, reduce delays and improve access to justice for litigants.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Bola Tinubu said strengthening judicial institutions remains a key component of his administration’s governance agenda.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described the project as part of broader efforts to provide the judiciary with the infrastructure required to perform its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the project forms part of a wider intervention aimed at improving working conditions for judicial officers through the construction of court facilities and residential accommodation across the Federal Capital Territory.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also described the project as a significant investment in the justice sector, noting that judicial independence must be supported by adequate infrastructure and institutional capacity.
For the contractor, Visible Construction Limited, the project highlights the growing role of indigenous firms in delivering critical public infrastructure.
Managing Director of the company, Olalekan Adebiyi, said the facility was delivered to support efficient court administration and provide a conducive environment for judicial officers and court personnel.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the complex would help reduce case congestion, improve judicial productivity and strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.
