BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 29, 2025 | 01:48 PM
Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, has assured that the National Industrial Court will officially begin operations in Maiduguri before the end of 2025.
He made the announcement on Wednesday while receiving a leadership award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council.
The NUJ honoured him in recognition of his exemplary public service and impactful legislative achievements, especially his pivotal role in establishing the Court of Appeal, Maiduguri Division.
'With regards to the issue of the National Industrial Court, I assure you that before the end of the year, it will take off in Maiduguri,' Sen. Monguno stated during his address.
'When I was Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I made a strong case for both the Court of Appeal and the National Industrial Court. The Court of Appeal has since taken off. The Industrial Court is next, and I’m personally following up to ensure it sees the light of day.'
The NUJ noted that Sen. Monguno’s efforts have significantly expanded access to justice in Nigeria’s Northeast region and strengthened the federal judicial presence in Borno State.
The Senator, who described the NUJ award as “a tonic” to spur further action, emphasized the vital role of a free press in sustaining democracy and urged journalists to remain vigilant in their oversight duties.
'I implore you to keep a tap on our activities. Where we err, offer constructive criticism. Any democracy worth its name must embrace this,' he added.
'You’re not just observers; you are partners in the democratic process.'
Sen. Monguno expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NUJ for the honour, promising to continue supporting journalists in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
'This award, I will jealously guard and protect. It reminds me of my responsibility to deliver more. Democracy is about representation, and we must constantly be reminded of whom we serve,' he said.
Presenting the award, NUJ Borno Chairman, Abdulkarim Haruna, praised Sen. Monguno’s consistent delivery of people-centred projects, ranging from infrastructure to employment, and his calm, controversy-free approach to governance.
'From the House of Representatives to the Senate, you have maintained integrity, humility, and purpose. We’ve watched how you quietly deliver critical urban development—roads, water, and more—without seeking the spotlight,' Abdulkarim noted.
He also commended Monguno’s role in establishing the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri, calling it a game-changer for legal practitioners and journalists alike.
'Before now, we could not follow appellate cases due to logistical barriers in traveling to Jos, Gombe, or Kano. Now, Maiduguri will become a hub for judicial reporting. And with the National Industrial Court on the way, it will transform justice delivery and media coverage in the region,' he concluded.