Ekiti State Government has approved the sum of N3.005 billion for the construction of a new High Court Office Complex at the premises of the State High Court of Justice in Ado-Ekiti.

The approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting and disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement issued after the meeting.

According to Olatunbosun, the project was necessitated by the inadequacy of the existing office accommodation and court infrastructure to meet the growing operational demands of the judiciary.

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He said the recent appointment of five additional High Court judges had further increased the need for more courtrooms, judges’ chambers and supporting office facilities.

The commissioner said the new complex was expected to provide a more conducive and functional working environment for judicial officers, court staff and legal practitioners, while enhancing the administration of justice and access to judicial services in the state.

He explained that Messrs. Axial Nigeria Limited, a company currently handling a project at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), was engaged to execute the project through the Direct Procurement method, in accordance with relevant provisions of the State Public Procurement Law.

The project, according to him, is expected to be completed within 18 months.

Olatunbosun said the investment would significantly strengthen the infrastructure and operational capacity of the Ekiti State Judiciary, adding that it would create the necessary environment for the efficient and effective administration of justice.

The new complex, he added, was part of the government’s efforts to improve public institutions and ensure that critical infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of a growing state and its population.