President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence through improved welfare and security for judicial officers.
The President stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating 20 housing units constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for judges of the FCT High Court at the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Abuja.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said judicial independence goes beyond constitutional guarantees and must be supported by an environment that enables judges to carry out their responsibilities without fear or favour.
According to him, providing decent and secure accommodation for judicial officers is essential to preserving the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance. True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers,” he said.
The President noted that the newly inaugurated estate followed the completion of 10 housing units each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court.
He added that his administration had also inaugurated the first phase of 10 housing units for lecturers and staff of the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, while work on the second phase was progressing. He further disclosed that the foundation had been laid for residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Tinubu described the projects as part of a deliberate and sustained effort to strengthen the judiciary, one of the key pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to infrastructure development and urban renewal in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yunusa, described the project as a significant investment in the welfare and dignity of judicial officers.
He said the initiative would enhance judges’ productivity, improve their security and reinforce the independence required for the effective administration of justice.
“The welfare of judicial officers is not a privilege; it is an institutional necessity that promotes stability, enhances productivity, safeguards personal security and preserves the dignity that must accompany judicial office,” he said.
In his remarks, the FCT minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the 20 housing units formed part of a 40-unit judges’ quarters developed by the FCTA to provide secure, functional and comfortable accommodation for judicial officers.
He explained that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary by improving the welfare and working conditions of judges.
Wike assured that the administration would continue expanding the estate, expressing confidence that an additional 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges would be completed before the end of the president’s first term in office.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Richard Dauda, disclosed that the contract for the project was awarded in September 2024.
According to Dauda, the development comprises 20 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes, each with boys’ quarters.
He added that the estate is equipped with supporting infrastructure, including an event centre; neighbourhood shopping facilities; a gatehouse; generator houses with standby generators; landscaped recreational areas; and perimeter fencing.
