The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has declared that judges’ welfare is the cornerstone of an independent judiciary, insisting that decent accommodation and improved working conditions are vital to protecting the rule of law.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the newly completed 20-unit Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Abuja, the Chief Judge said the housing project is a major boost to the nation’s justice system and democratic governance.
He described the project as a landmark achievement completed in less than two years after it was conceived, applauding the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for turning the vision into reality.
“What started as a vision, nurtured and driven by the relentless dedication of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has finally unfolded into something extraordinary,” he said.
Justice Baba-Yusuf stressed that the welfare of judges should never be treated as a favour but as a critical requirement for a functional judicial system.
“The welfare of judicial officers is not a privilege. It is an institutional necessity that promotes stability, enhances productivity, safeguards personal security and preserves the dignity that must accompany judicial office,” he stated.
He noted that judges can only dispense justice without fear or favour when supported with quality infrastructure, secure accommodation and conducive working conditions.
According to him, constitutional guarantees alone cannot secure judicial independence unless they are backed by practical investments in the welfare of judicial officers.
“The provision of these quarters is a significant contribution to judicial independence. Judicial officers require adequate infrastructure and dignified welfare arrangements to perform their adjudicative responsibilities efficiently, courageously and with complete fidelity to the rule of law,” he added.
The Chief Judge thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the project, describing it as proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector.
He also hailed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering what he called a landmark judicial infrastructure project, saying the intervention has further enhanced the dignity of the Bench.
Justice Baba-Yusuf pledged that judges and staff of the FCT Judiciary would continue to uphold the Constitution and dispense justice impartially.
He, however, appealed to Wike to extend similar housing projects to judges of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal, noting that both institutions play vital roles in the administration of justice in the territory.
The Chief Judge revealed that similar accommodation projects had already been provided for the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Law School.
He also noted that the FCT High Court is facing increasing pressure as Abuja continues to grow into Nigeria’s political, administrative and commercial hub.
Justice Baba-Yusuf assured residents that the judiciary would remain committed to protecting the rule of law and ensuring justice is delivered fairly, independently and without compromise.
