President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is prioritising the welfare and dignity of judicial officers as part of efforts to strengthen judicial independence in Nigeria.
Tinubu stated this on Wednesday during the commissioning of 20 residential units built 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, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the President said judicial independence should not be viewed only as a constitutional concept but must be supported by practical measures that guarantee judges’ security and comfort.
He explained that judges could only deliver justice effectively when they operate in an environment free from insecurity and uncertainty.
“True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers. We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour when their basic comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance,” Tinubu said.
He added that the provision of modern residential facilities for judges across different courts was a deliberate step towards protecting judicial officers from vulnerability and demonstrating Nigeria’s appreciation of those responsible for interpreting its laws.
The President noted that his administration had previously commissioned 10 housing units each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court.
He also disclosed that the first phase of 10 residential units for lecturers and staff of the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, had been completed, while work on the second phase was ongoing.
According to him, the government had also commenced plans for residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Tinubu described the Katampe project as more than just a housing development, saying it represented a sustained commitment to strengthening the judiciary as a major pillar of democracy.
He praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in transforming Abuja into a capital city that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations and pride.
The Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Husseini Baba-Yunusa, who reacted to the development, said the project had moved from an idea into a remarkable reality through Wike’s dedication.
He described the initiative as a purposeful investment in the welfare and dignity of judicial officers, stressing that a strong judiciary was essential for the stability of any democratic society.
Baba-Yunusa said judges require proper welfare and working conditions to enable them perform their responsibilities with courage, independence and fairness.
“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 attached to judicial office,” he said.
On his part, Wike disclosed that the 20 houses were part of a 40-unit Judges’ Quarters project undertaken by the FCTA.
He said the project was designed to provide safe, functional and comfortable accommodation for judicial officers, thereby improving justice delivery in the country.
The minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue with the construction of additional houses for FCT High Court judges, expressing confidence that more units would be completed before the end of Tinubu’s first term.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the contract for the project was awarded in September 2024.
He explained that the estate consists of 20 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes, each equipped with boys’ quarters, alongside facilities including an event centre, neighbourhood shop, gatehouse, generator houses, recreational area, landscaping and perimeter fencing.