President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and institutional reforms with the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President described the project as a strategic investment in the rule of law, judicial welfare and democratic governance.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu said the housing estate formed part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration.
According to the President, the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with the infrastructure and support required to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
“Today’s event is much more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the judges’ quarters were delivered as a special intervention project outside the statutory budgetary allocations to the judiciary, adding that improved welfare for judicial officers remains critical to strengthening justice delivery.
“The welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law. When judges are provided with secure accommodation and conducive working environments, the entire nation benefits,” he stated.
The President also disclosed plans to expand judicial infrastructure within the Katampe district, revealing that additional land had been designated for judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Code of Conduct Bureau and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the successful execution of the project, describing him as diligent and result-oriented.
Tinubu further urged state governments to complement federal efforts by investing in judicial infrastructure and improving welfare for judges within their jurisdictions.
In his remarks, Wike called on governors to support federal judicial institutions located in their states, arguing that such courts primarily serve residents of host states.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Rivers State, he recounted how his administration provided infrastructure and accommodation for the National Industrial Court in Port Harcourt to improve access to justice.
Wike dismissed concerns that government support for judicial infrastructure could undermine judicial independence, insisting that improved welfare and working conditions strengthen the judiciary.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the project as a milestone in efforts to provide a secure and dignified environment for judicial officers.
She noted that quality justice delivery depends not only on courtroom facilities but also on the living conditions of judges, stressing that secure accommodation protects judicial officers from undue influence and enhances the integrity of the judicial process.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project is part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.
According to him, the estate consists of 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, neighbourhood shops, internal road networks, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators and enhanced security features.
The commissioning comes a day after the inauguration of a new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, highlighting the administration’s renewed focus on judicial infrastructure and governance reforms.
