President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms as he commissioned the 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 housing estate as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.
He said the project is one of several judicial infrastructure initiatives being commissioned to mark the third anniversary of his administration, stressing that a functional justice system requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers but also adequate infrastructure and support systems.
According to Tinubu, the judges’ quarters represent the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary.
He noted that the project was funded as a special intervention separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocation, which has also witnessed significant increases under the current administration.
The President said providing modern residential accommodation for judges would enhance judicial independence, improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery, describing investment in the welfare of judicial officers as an investment in the nation’s justice system.
Tinubu also announced plans to expand judicial infrastructure in the Katampe District, revealing that additional land has been earmarked for residential accommodation for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Federal High Court, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the timely execution of the project and urged state governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by investing in judicial infrastructure and improving the welfare of judicial officers within their jurisdictions.
Speaking at the event, Wike called on state governors to take greater responsibility for the development of federal judicial institutions located in their states, noting that such courts primarily serve residents of their host states.
Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, he recalled facilitating the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and residential accommodation for judges in Port Harcourt to improve access to justice for residents.
The minister dismissed concerns that providing infrastructure for the judiciary could undermine its independence, insisting that improved facilities and welfare strengthen rather than weaken the justice system.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed him to prioritise projects aimed at improving the welfare of judges and justices.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, described the new quarters as a significant milestone in providing a secure and conducive environment for judicial officers.
She said quality housing plays an important role in enhancing judicial performance by offering judges a secure and peaceful environment for reflection and decision-making, while also protecting them from undue influence.
Dongban-Mensem added that sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and judicial welfare is essential to building a judiciary capable of meeting future challenges.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project forms part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.
According to him, the estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre, neighbourhood shopping facilities, recreational areas, internal road network, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing and a secured gatehouse.
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