The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that his administration is building a justice system that not only functions efficiently but also guarantees the dignity, safety, and independence of judicial officers across the Territory.
Speaking in a goodwill message at the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the FCT is deliberately investing in infrastructure that strengthens the judiciary — a move he described as central to the long-term stability of the nation’s capital.
Wike, who called justice delivery “a sacred duty,” noted that within just one year, the FCTA has rolled out large-scale projects designed to modernise the judicial environment and improve working and living conditions for judges.
Among the key projects are the construction of new residential quarters for Heads of Courts, expansion of the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex, staff housing for the Nigerian Law School, and the design and construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
According to the Minister, the investments align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places institutional reform and the rule of law at the center of national renewal.
“Comfortable and secure accommodation allows judicial officers to focus fully on timely and efficient justice delivery,” Wike said, stressing that welfare and infrastructure are inseparable from judicial independence.
Looking ahead into the 2025/2026 legal year, Wike disclosed that the FCTA will accelerate completion of ongoing court projects, expand housing for High Court judges, and deepen collaboration with FCT-based courts to digitize proceedings, registries, and case management systems.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in her remarks, commended Wike’s longstanding commitment to the judiciary — noting his support both as Governor of Rivers State and now as FCT Minister.
She praised the provision of secure, owner-occupier homes for judges, describing housing as fundamental to both safety and dignity. Justice Dongban-Mensem urged that the initiative be extended to all categories of judicial officers.
Citing the recent murder of a retired judge in Delta State, she stressed the urgent need to provide judges with safe living environments during and after service.
The ceremony marked the formal start of the Court of Appeal’s new legal year, with renewed commitments to justice reforms, digital transformation, and judicial welfare.
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