President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria cannot build a world-class legal system without modern and adequate infrastructure, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support the rule of law.
The President made the statement on Monday while inaugurating 10 newly constructed four-bedroom staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, built by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said his administration is addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits affecting the nation’s legal and judicial institutions.
He said the government is investing in facilities that will improve the administration of justice and strengthen legal education across the country.
“This is why, concurrently, we have constructed the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and are constructing magistrates’ courts across the FCT.
“We are also building state-of-the-art residential quarters for judges in the heart of the city to safeguard their security, protect their independence and enhance their welfare,” he said.
Describing the legal profession as the guardian of Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law, the President stressed that legal education requires an enabling environment for both students and academic staff.
According to him, the newly inaugurated staff quarters represent the first phase of a broader initiative to improve the welfare of personnel within the legal education system.
He added that the federal government is funding the construction of a new auditorium, additional student hostels, and the digitisation of the Nigerian Law School’s academic and administrative operations.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for advancing infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening legal institutions.
Speaking at the event, Wike disclosed that the President had approved the construction of an additional 20 housing units for the Nigerian Law School.
He added that the ongoing construction of separate male and female hostels would be completed soon and directed the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Dauda, to ensure the contractor returned to site to complete the outstanding works.
The minister also directed that all outstanding payments due to contractors be settled promptly to facilitate the timely completion of the projects.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a strategic investment in legal education and institutional development.
She said the Nigerian Law School occupies a vital position in Nigeria’s legal system by preparing future legal practitioners and strengthening the administration of justice.
Mahmoud added that the delivery of the staff quarters demonstrates the FCTA’s commitment to supporting institutions that develop human capital and enhance public service delivery.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Olugbemisola Odusote, expressed appreciation to the President and the FCT Administration for addressing the institution’s accommodation challenges.
She said the housing project would significantly improve the welfare of senior staff and create a more conducive environment for legal education.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Yohanna Dauda, said the project was awarded in November 2024 to address the shortage of staff accommodation at the Nigerian Law School.
He explained that the development comprises 10 four-bedroom housing units, with five blocks located on the northern section of the campus and the remaining five on the western side.
