By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has called for enhanced welfare for judiciary officers, emphasizing their crucial role in fostering good governance and national progress.
Speaking at the Court of Appeal’s Annual End-of-Year Conference on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Umahi underlined the importance of infrastructure development in facilitating justice delivery. He also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting judicial efficiency through critical road infrastructure projects.
Highlighting the Ministry’s achievements, Umahi noted:
- Improved Access to Judicial Facilities: Construction and rehabilitation of road networks have improved access to courts for legal practitioners, litigants, and the public.
- Modernization of Court Infrastructure: Collaboration with stakeholders has led to the development of state-of-the-art court complexes and the adoption of digital systems for virtual hearings and e-filing.
The Minister recounted specific projects that have improved judicial operations, sharing a vivid example of lawyers navigating a dilapidated access road during the rainy season to reach a court. “Access roads play a critical role in adjudication. Without them, seeking redress becomes a challenge,” he remarked.
Umahi stressed that better infrastructure would reduce delays, improve judicial efficiency, and ensure equal access to justice. He also underscored the importance of improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers to boost productivity and reduce corruption.
Umahi revealed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, inherited 18,932.50 kilometers of ongoing road projects with 2,064 active contracts, some dating back 18 to 20 years, and valued at over ₦14 trillion as of May 29, 2023. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to restoring public confidence in federal roads, addressing challenges such as funding and bureaucratic delays through innovative collaborations with the judiciary and private sector.
The Minister also outlined plans for upcoming projects aimed at improving judicial accessibility nationwide. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to fostering a seamless justice delivery system and thanked the judiciary for its partnership in national development.
In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, emphasized judicial introspection, ethical conduct, and the adoption of technology to enhance efficiency. She advocated for innovative practices, such as alternative dispute resolution, to address case backlogs and rebuild public trust.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance 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 called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protect judges from baseless accusations. Agabi praised Minister Umahi as a diligent and honest leader, lauding his transformative work in Ebonyi State and his current contributions at the federal level.
“Rather than fixating on corruption, we should focus on the values that elevate us in the global community,” Agabi urged.
The conference, attended by key stakeholders, reaffirmed the judiciary’s pivotal role in governance and the need for sustained efforts to enhance its operational framework.
