President Bola Tinubu says the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary and the legal community is not an interference but a constitutional and collaborative duty of the Executive arm of government.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, made the remarks while inaugurating the newly constructed Body of Benchers Office Annex, in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the inauguration of the edifice affirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, the independence of governance institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession.
He said that the development was based on his administration’s belief that democracy could not thrive in a vacuum but requires strong, resilient, and well-equipped institutions to anchor it.
He described the Body of Benchers as the “gatekeeper of the legal profession”, charged with the critical responsibility of admitting eligible candidates to the bar and maintaining the highest standards of discipline.
“It is only fitting that an institution of such monumental national significance is housed in an edifice that reflects its prestige, responsibility, and dignity.
“Let me be absolutely clear: the provision of infrastructure for the legal community and the judiciary is not an interference in the independence of another arm of government.
“Rather, it is a constitutional and collaborative duty of the executive to ensure that those who interpret and uphold our laws are provided with an environment that fosters operational efficiency and excellence,” said.
The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for transforming Abuja into a modern, functional, and world-class capital city.
He stressed that over the last three years, the pace of infrastructure development, urban renewal, and project delivery in the FCT has been unmatched.
“From the Court of Appeal complex, Abuja division, and the newly developed judges’ quarters, to massive road networks like the Outer Southern Expressway, this city is witnessing a remarkable renaissance.
“The timely completion and handover of this Body of Benchers Office Annex is yet another feather in that cap of accelerated governance.
He urged the Body of Benchers to use the facility as a sanctuary for justice, mentorship, and deep reflection on how to reform Nigeria’s legal system to meet the contemporary needs of citizens.
“Let this edifice stand as a permanent pillar of professional excellence, accountability, and national unity.
“My administration will continue to play its part in ensuring that our judicial officers are well-housed, well-remunerated, and provided with the tools to dispense justice without fear or favour,” he said.
In his remarks, Wike explained that the annex was constructed following a request by the former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for additional office space.
He also disclosed that another request by the Body of Benchers to ease traffic congestion around the institution had already been addressed through the construction of a new road ready for inauguration.
The minister, who pledged more support for the judiciary and the legal profession, thanked Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to contribute his quota to the legal profession.
He stressed that his contributions to the legal sector would speak for themselves, such that nobody would ask him what he did while in office.
On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud reaffirmed FCT Administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that uphold justice, discipline and the rule of law.
Mahmoud described the new office annex as a major institutional milestone for the legal profession and a symbol of Nigeria’s collective commitment to professional excellence, ethical standards and the advancement of justice.
Responding, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Olorogun Akpomudje, SAN, thanked Tinubu and Wike for the intervention, describing it as a “great value” and strategic addition to the Body of Benchers’ infrastructure.
Akpomudje explained that the facility would address the body’s challenge of suitable office accommodation and enhance operational efficiency.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the construction of the office was part of the FCTA’s mandate of providing public infrastructure and buildings.
Dauda said that the project for the construction and furnishing of the Office Annex was awarded in 2024 to address the challenge of suitable accommodation confronting the Body of Benchers.
He said that the structure, located on Plot 688 in the Institution and Research District, Phase III of the Federal Capital City, was furnished with ancillary facilities like conference hall and lounge.
