By Stanley Onyekwere
The Body of Benchers (BoB) has further consolidated its mission to modernize legal infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory, securing fresh commitments for road projects and facility upgrades during a high-profile visit to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Led by Chairman Albert Akpomudje, Life Bencher, the delegation’s visit centered on the tangible transformation of the legal ecosystem in Abuja, emphasizing that the strength of the judiciary is inextricably linked to the quality of its professional environment.
The primary objective of the visit was to ensure the seamless completion of key projects vital to the legal profession.
The Body of Benchers successfully advocated for Completion of the Annex Building:
The BoB successfully secured an immediate directive from the Minister to construct a new access road leading specifically to the Annex building.
Surrounding Development: Recognition of the 98% completion rate of the access roads around the Nigerian Law School and EFCC Academy corridor, which eases the logistical burden on the legal community.
During the engagement, the Chairman emphasized that the BoB’s approach is rooted in collaboration rather than confrontation.
“Roads are being constructed and upgraded daily… this is what governance should be. Collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary remains essential for strengthening democratic institutions”, Akpomudje stated.
The visit also served as a platform to reinforce the necessity of government support for judicial officers.
The Benchers stood firm on the principle that providing infrastructure and housing for judges is an act of institutional strengthening, not a compromise of independence.
The BoB leadership highlighted that seeking government intervention for facilities—such as the ongoing Fire Service Station project within the complex—is a legitimate and necessary function of professional leadership.
By the conclusion of the meeting, the Body of Benchers demonstrated that diplomatic engagement yields higher dividends for the legal profession than public friction.
The delegation left Life Camp not just with words of encouragement, but with a mobilized FCT Administration directed to begin work on the BoB’s latest infrastructure requests immediately.
In his response, the FCT Minister, lauded the Body of Benchers for focusing on “institutional growth” and “tangible requests” rather than the “destructive criticism” often seen in other professional associations.
He confirmed that the BoB Annex is nearing completion and is slated for delivery by June 2026.
While commending the new Chairman of the Body of Benchers on his appointment and responding to demands he made, the Minister directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda to effect the construction of an access road to the Body’s annex building, under construction.
