President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, describing the provision of modern infrastructure for the judiciary and legal profession as critical to upholding the rule of law and sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
The President stated this on Tuesday during the commissioning of the new Office Annex of the Body of Benchers in Abuja’s Institution and Research District. Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the project symbolises the Federal Government’s determination to build resilient institutions capable of advancing justice and national development.
He described the new annex as more than a physical structure, saying it reflects the administration’s commitment to the independence of institutions and the dignity of the legal profession.
“It 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,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on strengthening institutions, insisting that democracy can only thrive where key institutions are independent, resilient and adequately equipped to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Tinubu described the Body of Benchers—the body responsible for overseeing admission into the legal profession and enforcing professional discipline—as a vital institution that deserves infrastructure befitting its national importance.
He stressed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference but represents government’s constitutional obligation to support institutions responsible for interpreting and safeguarding the law.
The President also highlighted other ongoing interventions by the Federal Capital Territory Administration aimed at improving the justice sector and educational infrastructure. These include the approval of two 300-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, the completion of the access road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat to Nile University, and the construction of a new fire service station within the district.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as remarkable infrastructural transformation across Abuja.
He said the minister had fulfilled the mandate to develop the nation’s capital into a modern and functional city, citing projects such as the Court of Appeal Complex, Judges’ Quarters, the Outer Southern Expressway and the newly completed Body of Benchers Annex.
“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.
The President urged members of the Body of Benchers to utilise the facility as a centre for justice, mentorship and legal reforms while assuring them that his administration would continue to provide the support needed for judicial officers to perform their duties without fear or favour.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, attributed the successful completion of the project to President Tinubu’s prompt approval and release of funds.
Wike recalled that the proposal for the 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 him, Tinubu directed that the project be accommodated in the supplementary budget, which was subsequently approved by the National Assembly.
“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.
The minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration had addressed concerns over traffic congestion around the institution by constructing a new access road, which is expected to be commissioned by the Vice President.
He assured the Body of Benchers of the administration’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice sector.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), described the annex as a major boost for legal education, professional discipline and the administration of justice.
He called for sustained collaboration between government and stakeholders to protect public infrastructure and expand access to justice.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, said the new facility would serve as a hub for mentorship, ethical standards and professional excellence while strengthening the Body of Benchers’ role in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s legal profession.
