President Bola Tinubu has said that improving the welfare of judicial officers remains critical to strengthening the rule of law and democratic governance in Nigeria.
The President stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration of 10 housing units for justices of the Court of Appeal at the newly constructed judges’ quarters in Katampe, Abuja.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu described the project as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and efficiency of the justice sector.
According to him, providing judges with secure accommodation and a conducive working environment would strengthen the justice system and promote national development.
“When judges are provided with secure accommodation, conducive working environments and the institutional support necessary to carry out their functions, the entire justice system benefits, and ultimately, the nation as well,” he said.
Tinubu noted that a well-supported judiciary is essential for good governance, economic growth, investor confidence and social stability.
He added that investments in judicial institutions should be viewed as investments in democracy, peace and national development rather than mere expenditures.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and improving the administration of justice across the country.
According to him, the housing project reflects the government’s dedication to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary.
Tinubu disclosed that he directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to execute the project as part of efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers and strengthen judicial institutions.
He commended Wike for what he described as diligence and commitment in carrying out the directive.
The President also urged state governments to emulate the initiative by investing in critical infrastructure for the judiciary.
Speaking at the event, Wike dismissed claims that the project was intended to influence the judiciary, insisting that it was aimed at enhancing judicial independence and welfare.
He recalled that while serving as Governor of Rivers State, he embarked on similar projects despite political setbacks involving judicial decisions.
“Mr President told me directly: ‘Do not bother; go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices.’ I thank Mr President for this opportunity,” Wike said.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, commended Tinubu and Wike for prioritising judicial welfare.
She said adequate housing would provide a secure and conducive environment for judicial officers, enabling them to discharge their responsibilities without fear or undue pressure.
Dongban-Mensem added that secure accommodation would also help protect judges and their families from potential threats and external influence.
In a related development, Tinubu performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of judges’ quarters for the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and the Code of Conduct Bureau in the same area.
President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, described the initiative as a significant step towards improving judicial welfare, security and independence.
He said providing safe and comfortable residences for judges would enable the judiciary to function effectively without fear or external interference.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project was awarded in September 2024 for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in the Katampe District.
Dauda explained that 10 of the houses were allocated to Court of Appeal justices.
According to him, the project includes fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters, an event centre, neighbourhood shops, recreational facilities, access roads, power supply, water infrastructure and perimeter fencing.
He said the estate was designed to provide a secure and comfortable environment for judicial officers.
NAN
