President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned 10 newly constructed residential quarters for Justices of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, declaring that judicial independence cannot thrive without adequate welfare, security and a conducive working environment for judges.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony, Tinubu said the project was more than a housing initiative, describing it as a deliberate investment in the judiciary as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are not just opening houses. We are reinforcing a key pillar of our democracy: the Judiciary. This is what vision and political will can deliver,” the President said.
He noted that the commissioning came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of a similar 10-unit residential facility for Justices of the Court of Appeal, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Tinubu, the administration remains focused on rebuilding public trust in institutions and deepening the rule of law through tangible interventions.
“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.
The President added that the modern quarters would provide security, comfort and dignity for judicial officers while reaffirming the nation’s respect for those entrusted with interpreting its laws.
“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 said.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure development across Abuja and delivering key projects within record time.
“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,” the President said.
He also praised the judiciary for its cooperation with the executive arm of government, describing the relationship as one that ultimately serves the interests of Nigerians.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Tinubu urged the judges to remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness, transparency and integrity.
“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.
The President expressed optimism that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield results across sectors.
“Abuja is changing. Nigeria is changing. Our reforms are taking root. We will not stop until every sector reflects the greatness of this nation,” he added.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the administration was committed to improving the welfare of judicial officers as a practical way of strengthening judicial independence and the rule of law.
He disclosed that following the commissioning of quarters for Court of Appeal Justices and Federal High Court judges, similar facilities for judges of the FCT High Court would be inaugurated 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, which has the highest number of 22 units, all built to the same standard,” Wike said.
The minister stressed that judicial independence goes beyond constitutional guarantees and must be supported by adequate infrastructure and welfare packages.
“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 stated.
Wike also announced plans to construct residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, assuring that the projects would be completed by January 2027.
According to him, the entire Katampe axis is being developed into a dedicated judicial district, complete with security infrastructure, including a police station, to guarantee the safety of judicial officers.
“All around this area, we want it to be a judges’ zone. We don’t want any development that will compromise their security. We are also building a police station here to protect the area because security is important,” he said.
The minister further explained that the land earmarked for the new projects was recovered from undeveloped allocations that had remained idle for over 15 years.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the judges’ quarters as a significant investment in the administration of justice and the consolidation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
She said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with the infrastructure required to operate with dignity, independence and excellence.
Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and sustained support for initiatives aimed at strengthening key national institutions, noting that the provision of modern residential facilities for judges demonstrates the administration’s dedication to the rule of law.
She also praised Wike for his commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister expressed confidence that the newly commissioned quarters would provide a conducive living environment for judicial officers, enhance justice delivery and serve as enduring symbols of institutional excellence and good governance.
