Tinubu Gives Federal High Court Judges New Homes, Says Welfare Key To Judicial Independence

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Toyin Adebayo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned 10 newly built residential quarters for Justices of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, declaring that judicial independence cannot be achieved without providing judges with security, comfort and decent living conditions.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and deepening the rule of law under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are not just opening houses. We are reinforcing a key pillar of our democracy: the Judiciary,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the commissioning came barely a day after the inauguration of similar residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal, describing the projects as evidence of his administration’s resolve to rebuild trust in public institutions.

According to him, judges cannot be expected to dispense justice without fear or favour if their welfare, security and peace of mind are not guaranteed.

“Judicial independence is not an abstract idea. It requires a secure and dignified environment. We cannot ask judges to deliver justice without fear or favour if their safety and peace of mind are uncertain,” he stated.

Tinubu said the new quarters would provide security, dignity and comfort for judicial officers, while reaffirming government’s respect for the judiciary.
By providing these modern quarters, we give our Justices security, comfort and dignity. This is our statement that Nigeria values those who interpret her laws,” he added.

The President praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his outstanding performance in transforming Abuja through massive infrastructure development.

“When I gave you the task of making Abuja a world-class capital, I knew you would deliver. You have not disappointed me. From roads to projects like this, you have shown that performance is what counts in public service,” Tinubu said.

He urged the judges who would occupy the houses to remain committed to justice, integrity and transparency in the discharge of their duties.

“As we provide these homes, we ask for your continued commitment to swift, fair and transparent justice. Let these quarters be places of reflection and integrity. Let your judgments strengthen our democracy,” he said.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the provision of quality housing for judges was critical to strengthening judicial independence and improving the administration of justice.

Wike disclosed that while 10 quarters had been delivered for Court of Appeal Justices and another 10 for Federal High Court judges, 22 similar units for judges of the FCT High Court would be commissioned on July 7.

“Yesterday, we commissioned the 10 justice quarters for the Court of Appeal. Today, we’re here for the Federal High Court. July 7, we will do the same for the FCT High Court with 22 units, all of the same standard,” he said.

The minister also announced plans to build residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

According to him, the projects would be completed by January 2027.
Wike stressed that improving the welfare of judicial officers was necessary to guarantee their independence and ensure effective justice delivery.

“It cannot be independent when you cannot talk about giving them an efficient environment to work and improving their welfare. These are things that will make independence of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

The minister revealed that the Katampe axis was being developed into a dedicated “Judges’ Zone” with enhanced security infrastructure, including a police station, to protect judicial officers and their families.
He also appealed to the judiciary to maintain the facilities and preserve the standard of the estate.

Earlier, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a major investment in Nigeria’s justice system and democratic institutions.

She said the judges’ quarters demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with the infrastructure needed to function with dignity, excellence and independence.

Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for his support for initiatives that strengthen national institutions and praised Wike for driving transformative projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

She expressed confidence that the new residential quarters would improve the welfare of judicial officers, enhance justice delivery and stand as lasting symbols of government’s commitment to the rule of law.