Tinubu Commissions Body of Benchers Annex, Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Monday commissioned the Body of Benchers Annex in Abuja, saying the project reflects his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and stronger legal institutions.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister, Rabi Musa Umar. Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume at the July 6, 2026, commissioning, Tinubu said the annex, located in the Federal Capital Territory’s Institutional and Research District, would strengthen the operational capacity of the Body of Benchers. He said providing infrastructure for the legal profession is a constitutional responsibility of the executive and does not amount to interference with judicial independence.
Describing the project as “a resounding affirmation of our administration’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the independence of our institutions, and the dignity of the Nigerian legal profession,” Tinubu commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project. He said the annex complements other justice sector projects, including the Court of Appeal Complex, judges’ quarters, the Nigerian Law School access road and two 300-bed hostels in Bwari. He urged the Body of Benchers to use the facility to promote mentorship and reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s legal system.
Chairman of the Body of Benchers Albert Akpomudje, SAN, said the annex would reduce accommodation challenges for members traveling to Abuja for Call to Bar ceremonies and other official engagements. He thanked Tinubu and Wike for facilitating the project.
Wike said the project followed a request by the immediate past Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Asiwaju Solomon Awomolo. Although the FCT statutory budget had already been approved, he said Tinubu directed that the project be included in a supplementary budget later passed by the National Assembly. He added that the delegation would proceed to the Nigerian Law School to commission newly completed residential accommodation.
FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud described the annex as an important addition to the legal profession’s infrastructure, while Federal Capital Development Authority Executive Secretary Richard Yunana Dauda said the complex comprises a two-floor office block with a conference hall, lounge facilities and a recreation block. The Body of Benchers later presented Wike with an appreciation plaque in recognition of his support for the project.