By Maryam Shuaibu
President Bola Tinubu has urged judges across Nigeria to deliver swift justice, warning that delays in court proceedings could erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
He made the call on Monday during the inauguration of the new Abuja Division Building Complex of the Court of Appeal in Dakibiyu, Abuja. He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The president said swift justice is essential for maintaining confidence in the judiciary and ensuring that citizens continue to see the courts as protectors of their rights.
“Let justice be swift. Let it be fair. Let it be blind to status, tribe or wealth. Let the common man feel that this court is truly his last hope,” he said.
He acknowledged the heavy workload carried by judges, especially those serving at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
According to him, judicial officers deserve modern facilities that match the importance of their responsibilities.
President Tinubu said the newly completed court complex forms part of his administration’s judicial reform agenda.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at strengthening the rule of law, improving governance and promoting efficient justice delivery.
The facility contains two large courtrooms and eight additional courtrooms.
Government officials believe the new infrastructure will improve case management and support faster hearing of appeals.
The president also praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for completing the project within the agreed timeline.
“You promised 16 months and delivered. No excuses. No variations. Just results,” Tinubu said.
Court backlog remains a challenge
Despite efforts to improve court infrastructure, the Court of Appeal continues to face a significant backlog of cases.
According to the President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, the court entered the 2025/2026 legal year with more than 31,000 pending appeals and over 3,000 pending motions.
She said the backlog had reduced compared to the previous legal year.
However, election petitions, constitutional matters and other complex cases continue to place pressure on the appellate court system.
Lawyer calls for judicial reforms
Legal practitioner and public affairs analyst Frank Tietie said new buildings alone would not solve delays in the justice sector.
He argued that reducing case backlogs requires broader judicial reforms, improved efficiency and greater use of technology.
According to him, many appeals are decided through written briefs and can be handled more efficiently through digital platforms.
Mr Tietie advocated wider adoption of electronic filing, virtual hearings and digital case management systems.
He also called for the use of artificial intelligence tools to support legal research and court administration.
Wike, judiciary officials commend project
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Wike said the project was initiated after concerns were raised about the poor condition of the previous Court of Appeal facility.
He disclosed that President Tinubu also approved residential accommodation for judges.
According to him, similar interventions have been approved for the National Industrial Court, the Federal High Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal in the FCT.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as further proof of the administration’s support for the judiciary.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, also said the new complex would help improve justice delivery across the country.
For her part, Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the facility would enhance court operations and improve case disposal.
She noted that the Abuja Division previously operated with only two courtrooms, a limitation that contributed to delays in hearing and determining cases.
The Court of Appeal president thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and the FCT Administration for supporting efforts to strengthen the justice sector.