President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He said investment in modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is critical to upholding the rule of law and deepening democracy.
The President, represented by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this yesterday while commissioning the newly completed Office Annex of the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District.
Tinubu described the project as more than an architectural achievement, noting that it reflects the federal government’s determination to build resilient institutions capable of advancing 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,” the President said.
According to him, the facility represents the administration’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, institutional independence and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on strengthening institutions, stressing that democracy can only flourish where institutions are independent, resilient and adequately equipped to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
Tinubu described the Body of Benchers, the apex institution responsible for admission into the legal profession and the enforcement of professional discipline, as deserving of infrastructure befitting its strategic role in Nigeria’s justice system.
He maintained that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but rather demonstrates the government’s constitutional obligation to support institutions charged with interpreting and protecting the law.
The President disclosed that, in addition to the newly commissioned annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had approved the construction of two 300-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, completed the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University and commenced work on a new fire service station to serve the district.
Tinubu commended the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as remarkable progress in transforming Abuja into a modern, functional and world-class capital city.
He cited the construction of the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and several other landmark projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.
The President urged the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), and members of the legal body to make effective use of the facility to promote justice, mentorship, and legal reforms that respond to Nigerians’ needs.
He assured judicial officers of the Federal Government’s continued support through improved welfare, adequate accommodation and the provision of facilities needed to dispense justice without fear or favour.
Earlier, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, attributed the successful delivery of the project to President Tinubu’s prompt approval and release of funds.
He recalled that the proposal for the office annex was initiated by a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo (SAN), after the annual budget had already been passed.
According to Wike, President Tinubu directed that the project be accommodated in the supplementary budget, which the National Assembly subsequently approved.
“Mr President immediately approved that the project be included in the supplementary budget. Today, we are gathered to commission this important facility,” the minister said.
Wike also disclosed that the administration had addressed another request by the Body of Benchers by constructing a new access road to ease traffic congestion around the institution, adding that the road would soon be commissioned.
He assured the legal body of the FCT Administration’s continued support for projects aimed at strengthening institutions within the justice sector.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), described the annex as a major milestone that would enhance legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
He called for sustained collaboration between the government and stakeholders to preserve public infrastructure and strengthen the country’s justice system.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the facility represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s legal profession and would serve as a centre for mentorship, ethical standards, professional excellence and the promotion of justice.
