President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to exempt the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), describing the policy as a key governance reform that has accelerated infrastructure delivery in Abuja. The President said the measure was designed to remove administrative bottlenecks and enable the FCTA to execute critical projects more efficiently.
Tinubu made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of a new Office Annex for the Body of Benchers and 10 units of four-bedroom staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President said the policy has given the FCTA greater financial flexibility and faster access to resources needed for project execution.
According to the President, the decision attracted criticism when it was introduced, with some questioning the rationale behind removing the FCTA from the TSA framework. However, he said the pace of infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory now reflects the impact of allowing the administration greater operational independence in managing its finances.
Tinubu credited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with translating the policy into visible projects. He said the administration’s efforts extend beyond road construction to strengthening institutions, citing the resolution of the Nigerian Law School’s long-standing land title issue through the issuance of its Certificate of Occupancy.
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector. He described the newly inaugurated Body of Benchers Office Annex as an investment in institutions that support the rule of law and democratic governance, adding that providing infrastructure for the judiciary is a constitutional responsibility of the executive rather than an intrusion into judicial independence.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is investing in the expansion of the Nigerian Law School through the construction of a new auditorium, additional student hostels and the digitisation of academic and administrative operations. According to him, improving learning facilities is essential to producing well-trained legal professionals capable of serving the country’s justice system.
Beyond the Law School, Tinubu said similar infrastructure projects are ongoing across the judiciary, including the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, magistrates’ courts and residential accommodation for judges. He maintained that the administration’s approach is intended to improve institutional capacity, enhance public service delivery and support the effective administration of justice across the Federal Capital Territory.
