The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has restated its firm commitment to strengthening justice reforms and improving the judicial system within the nation’s capital.
FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, gave the assurance during his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal, held on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Abuja.
Wike described the judiciary as a pillar of national stability and emphasized that justice delivery remains a sacred responsibility that must be supported with adequate infrastructure and an enabling working environment. According to him, a strong, independent, and efficient judicial system is essential for sustaining peace, order, and development in the FCT and across Nigeria.
The Minister revealed that within the last 12 months, the FCTA had rolled out multiple reforms and developmental projects aimed at improving the working and living conditions of judicial officers. These projects, he said, are meant to strengthen the delivery of justice and ensure a more efficient legal environment.
Among the key projects executed are:
Wike stressed that these initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote institutional reforms and enhance national governance systems. He noted that providing secure, modern accommodation for judges allows them to focus solely on justice delivery without distractions.
Looking ahead, the Minister pledged that the FCTA will intensify efforts to complete all ongoing judicial projects within the new legal year. These include the speedy completion of the residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the full expansion of the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex.
Wike also announced plans to build additional houses for FCT High Court judges to address accommodation shortages and ensure that judicial officers across all levels are well supported.
Furthermore, the FCTA intends to support the digitization of court processes, registries, and documentation systems — a move the Minister believes will ease administrative bottlenecks, reduce reliance on manual processes, and accelerate justice delivery.
In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, praised the FCT Minister for his unwavering support for the judiciary, both during his time as Governor of Rivers State and now as Minister of the FCT.
She particularly lauded the ongoing construction of owner-occupier residences for judicial officers, describing safe housing as essential at every stage of a judge’s career.
Justice Dongban-Mensem recommended that the housing initiative be extended to all categories of judicial officers, citing recent security challenges faced by retired judges. She noted that ensuring safe living conditions is crucial for the protection, morale, and welfare of members of the judiciary.
Construction of new residential quarters for Heads of Courts, Expansion of the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex, Building of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School, Design and commencement of the new Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal
