ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday deepened his administration’s push for judicial reforms with the commissioning of a 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, describing the project as a strategic investment in judicial independence, the rule of law and democratic governance.
The President, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the housing estate formed part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being delivered to commemorate the third anniversary of his administration.
According to him, strengthening the judiciary requires more than budgetary allocations, stressing that adequate infrastructure and welfare support are essential for the effective administration of justice.
“We gather on this important occasion for the commissioning of the 10th Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters here in Katampe. This event is part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being commissioned over a three-week period to commemorate the third anniversary of this administration,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that the project was a special intervention by the Federal Government, separate from the judiciary’s statutory allocations, which he said had also witnessed substantial increases under his administration.
“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 said.
Tinubu described judicial welfare as a critical component of national development, arguing that secure accommodation and conducive living conditions enhance the capacity of judges to discharge their constitutional duties without fear or distraction.
“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 added.
The President also unveiled plans for further judicial infrastructure within the district, disclosing that adjoining lands had been designated for residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
“With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the ‘Judiciary Boulevard,’” he said.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for the timely execution of the project, describing him as “dependable, hardworking and diligent.”
He also challenged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing more resources in their judicial sectors.
“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 ceremony, Wike urged governors across the federation to take ownership of federal judicial institutions operating within their states, insisting that such courts primarily serve the people 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 do not render services to neighbouring states; they serve the host state,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recounted how his administration built facilities and accommodation for the National Industrial Court to end the hardship faced by litigants travelling to Bayelsa State for hearings.
“We took the designs, built the court and provided accommodation. Today, our people no longer face the logistical hazards of travelling to Bayelsa to have their cases heard,” he said.
The FCT minister dismissed suggestions that government support for judicial infrastructure could undermine judicial independence, arguing instead that such interventions strengthen the justice system.
“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 Tinubu had given him a clear mandate to improve the welfare of judges and justices.
“Mr. President told me directly: ‘Do not bother; go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices,’” he disclosed.
President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, described the estate as a significant contribution to the administration of justice, noting that the quality of judicial decisions is often influenced by the conditions under which judicial officers live and work.
“These quarters constitute an extension of the intellectual and contemplative space essential to judicial work,” she said.
According to her, secure and dignified accommodation protects judicial officers from undue influence, preserves the integrity of judicial processes and enhances the retention of experienced judges.
As the Court of Appeal marks its 50th anniversary, Dongban-Mensem called for sustained investment in modern 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 what she described as a landmark intervention, urging that similar projects be replicated across the court’s divisions nationwide.
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 scheme in Katampe District.
According to him, the contract, awarded to Messrs. Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited in September 2024, was completed according to approved specifications.
The estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre, neighbourhood shopping facilities, recreational grounds, internal road network, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing and a secured gatehouse.
The commissioning came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on strengthening judicial infrastructure as a cornerstone of governance and democratic consolidation.
