- Tinubu Unveils 10-Unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Estate in Abuja
- Says Judicial Welfare Is Strategic Investment
- Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Independence
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare and infrastructure, following the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tinubu represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the housing project as a significant investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.
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Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu said the project forms part of several judicial infrastructure initiatives being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration.
According to him, a strong justice system requires more than competent judges and sound laws, stressing that adequate infrastructure and support systems are equally essential for effective service delivery.
“This project is more than the commissioning of physical infrastructure. It demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that the housing estate was funded as a special intervention outside the judiciary’s statutory budget allocation, adding that budgetary support to the sector had also increased under his administration.
He emphasized that providing secure and comfortable accommodation for judicial officers would enhance judicial independence and improve the overall administration of justice.
“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 revealed plans to further expand judicial infrastructure within the Katampe district, disclosing that additional land had been earmarked for judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Code of Conduct Bureau and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
“With all these developments, this area could easily be called the Judiciary Boulevard,” he added.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the timely delivery of the project, describing him as diligent and dependable.
In his remarks, Wike called on state governors to take greater responsibility for federal judicial institutions located within their states, arguing that such courts primarily serve residents of the host states.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled facilitating the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and judges’ accommodation in Port Harcourt to ease access to justice for residents.
He dismissed concerns that providing infrastructure for the judiciary could compromise its independence, insisting that adequate welfare and facilities strengthen judicial autonomy rather than weaken it.
“Taking care of these institutions does not cost more than we can afford, and it directly guarantees the true independence of the judiciary,” Wike said.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the housing project as a major milestone in the quest to provide a secure and dignified environment for judicial officers.
She said quality housing remains critical to the delivery of justice, noting that judges require secure environments that allow them to reflect and make decisions free from external pressure.
“Secure accommodation protects judicial officers from undue influence and safeguards the integrity of the judicial process,” she stated.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project is part of a larger 40-unit housing scheme for judges 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, internal road networks, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing and a secured gatehouse.
The commissioning comes barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, further highlighting the administration’s renewed focus on improving judicial infrastructure across the country.
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