Tinubu Commissions 10 Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters, Tasks States On Judicial Infrastructure

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, commissioned a newly constructed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, and called on state governments to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by investing in judicial infrastructure and welfare.

The President, who was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the project was part of ongoing judicial infrastructure interventions designed to strengthen the independence, efficiency, and effectiveness of the judiciary.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu described the housing estate as a significant investment in the rule of law and democratic governance, stressing that judicial officers require conducive working and living environments to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

He said: “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.

“A strong and effective justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers but also the infrastructure and support systems necessary to enable the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.”

The President explained that the project was a special intervention by the Federal Government, separate from statutory budgetary allocations to the judiciary, which he noted had also increased under his administration.

According to him, the welfare of judicial officers remains critical to strengthening the justice system and deepening public confidence in democratic institutions.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

He disclosed that additional parcels of land within the Katampe judicial district had already been designated for residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Federal High Court, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, and the Code of Conduct Bureau.

“With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the Judiciary Boulevard,” he added.

Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project, describing him as hardworking, diligent, and committed to public service.

The President urged state governments across the federation to emulate the initiative by providing adequate funding and infrastructure for judicial institutions within their jurisdictions.

“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure their respective judicial sectors are adequately funded, properly equipped, and provided with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he said.

Speaking at the event, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike challenged governors to take responsibility for the development of federal judicial institutions operating in their states, arguing that such courts primarily serve residents of the host states.

“Governors, I say this: if there is a federal judicial division in a state, that governor knows those courts are serving their own citizens. The Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the National Industrial Court serve the host state,” Wike said.

Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled how he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and judges’ accommodation in Port Harcourt to end the hardship faced by litigants travelling to Bayelsa State for court proceedings.

He dismissed claims that providing infrastructure for judges amounted to compromising judicial independence.

“Taking care of these institutions does not cost us more than we can afford, and it directly guarantees the true independence of the judiciary,” he stated.

Wike further revealed that President Tinubu had directed him to do everything necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices.

“Mr. President told me directly: ‘Go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices,’” he said.

President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, described the housing estate as a landmark intervention that would enhance judicial independence, security, and efficiency.

She noted that secure accommodation was essential for protecting judges from undue influence and ensuring the integrity of judicial processes.

“These quarters constitute an extension of the intellectual and contemplative space essential to judicial work,” she said.

Justice Dongban-Mensem, who spoke against the backdrop of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Court of Appeal, called for sustained investment in judicial infrastructure, technology, and welfare.

“Building a judiciary fit for the next 50 years requires sustained investment in modern facilities, technological advancement, and judicial welfare,” she said.

She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for supporting the judiciary and urged that similar projects be replicated across the country.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project forms part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing scheme in Katampe District.

According to him, the contract was awarded to Messrs. Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited in September 2024 and has been completed in line with approved specifications.

He said the estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, internal roads, electricity and water infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing, and a secured gatehouse.

The commissioning came barely a day after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal Complex in Abuja, highlighting the Federal Government’s renewed drive to strengthen judicial infrastructure and enhance the administration of justice in the country.