The Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund LTD / GTE

History of High Court, Igbosere

The oldest and most recognisable court building in Nigeria providing Justice for all through strong institutions (SDG 16), reducing inequalities (SDG 10)

Make A Donation

Projects

Historical Background

The Igbosere High Court was the oldest and most recognized judicial building in Nigeria. First built in the early 1860s over the years have gone through some facelifts and renovations to what it was before it was razed.

It is probably one of the most discernable colonial-building legacies of the Nigerian judiciary.
The Fund’s major considerations for a new Igbosere High Court are to build a fit-for-the-future to resolve the space constraints of the overstretched old building, provide more offices for new judges in the state which will facilitate early dispensation of cases, provide a friendly environment through sufficient car parking spaces in the new facility.

The Fund according to excellence raised a highly renowned team of a legal advisory committee made up of 1. Mrs Boma Alabi (SAN), 2. Dr Odita Fidelis (SAN), 3. Mr Dapo Otunla and 4. Ms Yemi Adamalekun who worked selflessly pro bono to guide the process of building a better court complex.

The architectural design was presented to all stakeholders which include the high court and magistrate court judges as well as the ministry of justice.

The feedback received was incorporated into the finalized design approved by all stakeholders and the Board of Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund. The project reconstruction is categorized into two phases and the demolition of phase one building which consists of the old colonial complex commenced in February 2022.

Project Brief

The civil works contractor has since mobilised to site, executing the foundation works (raft foundation) of the Phase 1 project, which is about 5 meters away from the area earmarked for the Phase 2 of the project.

It is however necessary to note that the Phase 2 (the development of a multi-storey edifice) is planned to commence in April 2023 with the installation of the foundation piles. This is to mitigate the impact of the installation of the piling activities on the ongoing construction of the colonial building (Phase 1).

Project Objective

The Igbosere High Court project will be executed in two phases;

The restoration of the colonial building to maintain the exterior with major interior redesign and reconstruction in the most efficient way.
The development of a multi-story edifice that would accommodate features and facilities befitting a modern court complex. High Court, Igbosere is not only a source of heritage pride for Lagos. It is the oldest and most notable colonial-era judicial building in Nigeria.

The goals for this project include –

The Expansion of the number of court facilities within the Complex from 22 to 38 Courts in response to the deficiency in the number of courtrooms in the State.
Ensuring the historical significance of the colonial building is preserved by rebuilding the shell and courtrooms therein maintaining its external façade while upgrading the internal facilities to meet the present-day demands for services and infrastructure.
Addressing the perennial car parking challenges within the facility by expanding the carpark facilities using multilevel parking in the Babalakin Building.
Expanding some of the existing support facilities to meet the demands of the increased number of courtrooms, with facilities such as a 700-seater auditorium.
Creation of additional office spaces to accommodate the judges adequately and other upgrades that directly address the old colonial building’s challenges.