President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, saying modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession is critical to deepening the rule of law and sustaining democracy.
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Tinubu stated this on Tuesday at the commissioning of the Office Annex of the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the project was not merely an architectural achievement but a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to building strong institutions capable of advancing justice and national development.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that democracy cannot thrive without strong, independent and properly equipped institutions.
“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 said when his administration assumed office, it promised Nigerians renewed hope, adding that democracy requires resilient institutions to anchor it.
“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 said.
Tinubu described the Body of Benchers as one of Nigeria’s most important legal institutions, noting that its role in admitting persons into the legal profession and enforcing professional discipline makes it deserving of 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.
The President stressed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary and legal institutions does not amount to executive interference, but remains part of government’s constitutional responsibility to support bodies charged with interpreting, defending and safeguarding the law.
He disclosed that beyond the newly commissioned annex, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of two 300-capacity hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to improve students’ welfare.
Tinubu also said the administration had 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.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his commitment to transforming Abuja into a modern and functional capital city.
According to him, since Wike’s appointment, the scale of infrastructural development, urban renewal and project delivery in the FCT has been significant.
“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.
Tinubu listed the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and other projects as part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.
“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,” he said.
He urged the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, and members of the body to use the facility as a centre for justice, mentorship and legal reforms that respond to the changing needs of Nigerians.
“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,” Tinubu added.
Speaking earlier, Wike attributed the delivery of the project to President Tinubu’s support and prompt release of funds, saying the administration had consistently prioritised projects that strengthen justice institutions.
The FCT Minister recalled that the proposal for the annex was initiated by a former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Solomon Awomolo, SAN, who requested additional office accommodation after the annual budget had already been passed.
Wike said he approached President Tinubu on the request and the President directed that the project be included in the supplementary budget, which was later 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.
He also disclosed that another request by the Body of Benchers to ease traffic congestion around the institution had been addressed through the construction of a new road scheduled for commissioning by the Vice President.
Wike assured the Body of Benchers that the FCT Administration would continue to support institutions within the justice sector and consider further requests that would enhance their operations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, described the new annex as a major intervention that would strengthen legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice.
He called for continued collaboration between government and development partners to sustain investment in justice-sector infrastructure and improve access to justice.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that uphold justice, discipline and the rule of law.
She said the annex would serve as a centre for service, mentorship, ethical standards and professional excellence, while advancing the work of the Body of Benchers in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
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