President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that providing infrastructure for the judiciary and the legal profession is a constitutional responsibility of the Executive, not an interference with judicial independence.
The President made the statement on Monday while inaugurating the newly constructed Body of Benchers Office Annex in Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the facility reflects his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, strong democratic institutions and the advancement of the legal profession.
According to him, democracy thrives on resilient and well-equipped institutions capable of upholding justice and good governance.
Describing the Body of Benchers as the custodian of standards within Nigeria’s legal profession, the President said the institution plays a critical role in admitting qualified candidates to the Bar and maintaining professional discipline.
“It is only fitting that an institution of such national significance is housed in a facility that reflects its prestige, responsibility, and dignity.
“Providing 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 responsibility to ensure that those who interpret and uphold our laws have an environment that promotes efficiency and excellence,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for ongoing infrastructure development across Abuja.
He noted that projects such as the Court of Appeal complex, judges’ quarters, major road networks, and the newly completed Body of Benchers Office Annex demonstrate the administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and improving critical infrastructure.
The President urged the Body of Benchers to use the new facility to promote justice, mentorship, and legal reforms that respond to the evolving needs of Nigerians.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary by providing the infrastructure and resources required for judicial officers to perform their constitutional duties effectively.
Speaking at the event, Wike explained that the annex was constructed following a request by former Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for additional office accommodation.
The minister also disclosed that a request to ease traffic congestion around the institution had been addressed through the construction of an access road, which is ready for inauguration.
He pledged continued support for the judiciary and the legal profession, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to contribute to the sector’s development.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, described the office annex as a significant institutional achievement that reinforces the administration’s commitment to justice, professional excellence and the rule of law.
Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo‘s successor, Olorogun Akpomudje, expressed appreciation to the President and the FCT Minister for the project, describing it as a strategic investment that would enhance the institution’s operational efficiency and address its office accommodation needs.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Dauda, said the project formed part of the FCTA’s mandate to provide public infrastructure.
He explained that the office annex, awarded in 2024 and located on Plot 688 in the Institution and Research District of Phase III, Federal Capital City, is equipped with modern facilities, including a conference hall and lounge, to support the activities of the Body of Benchers.
