By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated the need for improved welfare for judiciary officers, emphasizing their crucial role in governance and national development.
Speaking at the Court of Appeal’s Annual End-of-Year Conference on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Umahi highlighted the significance of infrastructure development in enhancing the judicial process and fostering progress. He also expressed the Ministry’s commitment to providing road infrastructure that supports the effective delivery of justice.
Umahi outlined key accomplishments of the Ministry, including:
- Improved Access to Judicial Facilities: Significant strides have been made in constructing and rehabilitating roads to connect rural and urban areas, ensuring seamless access to courts.
- Modernization of Court Infrastructure: Collaborative efforts with stakeholders have resulted in state-of-the-art court complexes and the integration of digital technologies, such as virtual hearings and e-filing systems.
Citing specific projects, Umahi described how improved road networks have facilitated judicial efficiency. He recalled a video illustrating the plight of lawyers navigating a dilapidated court access road during the rainy season, emphasizing the importance of road infrastructure in ensuring equitable access to justice.
“Access roads play a critical role in adjudication,” he noted. “Improving road infrastructure will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the legal system by eliminating delays caused by travel challenges.”
Umahi stressed that better welfare and working conditions for judicial officers would boost productivity, foster commitment, and reduce corruption.
He revealed that the Renewed Hope Administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, inherited 18,932.50 kilometers of ongoing road projects involving 2,064 contracts, some of which have spanned 18 to 20 years. The projects, valued at ₦14.4 trillion, are part of a roadmap aimed at restoring public confidence in federal roads.
Acknowledging challenges such as funding constraints and bureaucratic delays, Umahi advocated innovative solutions and partnerships to ensure sustainable infrastructure development. He also announced upcoming projects to further support judicial operations and accessibility across Nigeria.
In her keynote address, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun underscored the importance of ethical conduct, judicial introspection, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. She called for the adoption of alternative dispute resolution and improved case management to address backlogs and restore public trust.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also emphasized the value of collaborative deliberations among appellate court judges to improve decision-making.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, who chaired the session, defended the judiciary’s independence and urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protect judges from unwarranted accusations.
He lauded Umahi’s leadership, describing him as “intelligent, honest, and hardworking,” and praised his transformation of Ebonyi State, which he is now replicating at the federal level.
Agabi encouraged Nigerians to shift their focus from corruption to achievements that elevate the nation’s global standing.
The conference, attended by judiciary stakeholders, highlighted the collaborative efforts needed to enhance judicial efficiency and national development.
