By Remi Johnson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a newly completed 10-unit housing estate for Court of Appeal judges in Katampe District, Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial independence, welfare, and institutional reforms.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President urged state Governors to invest more in judicial infrastructure within their jurisdictions.
Tinubu described the project as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance, noting that a functional justice system requires not only competent judicial officers and sound laws but also the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery.
The commissioning of the judges’ quarters forms part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu 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,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu further disclosed that additional land had been allocated to construct 7 houses for judges of the National Industrial Court, and 3 for the Code of Conduct Tribunal judges.
“With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the Judiciary Boulevard,” he remarked.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the efficient execution of the project.
“I wish to commend my dependable, hardworking, and diligent Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, and his team for the efficiency with which this directive was implemented,” he said.
Tinubu also called on state governments to emulate the Federal Government’s example by prioritizing funding, welfare, and infrastructure development for judicial institutions.
In his remarks, FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, who dismissed concerns that providing infrastructure for judges could compromise judicial independence, insisting that such interventions actually strengthen the judiciary.
He urged Governors across the country to take greater responsibility for the development of federal judicial institutions located within their states, stressing that such courts primarily serve the residents 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.’
President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the project as a major milestone in providing a secure, dignified, and conducive environment for judicial officers.
“These quarters constitute an extension of the intellectual and contemplative space essential to judicial work,” she said.
According to her, secure accommodation protects judicial officers from undue influence and reprisals, preserves the integrity of judicial processes, and helps attract and retain experienced judges.
“Building a judiciary fit for the next 50 years requires sustained investment in modern facilities, technological advancement, and judicial welfare,” Dongban-Mensem stated.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their support, expressing hope that the estate would serve as a model for similar projects across Court of Appeal divisions nationwide.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project forms part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.
He explained that the contract, awarded to Messrs Details 2 Dots Development Nigeria Limited in September 2024, was completed according to specifications and comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters.
Other facilities in the quarters includes an event centre with a capacity of 150 persons, a neighbourhood shop, recreational facilities, internal road network, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing, and a secured gatehouse.
The commissioning of the Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters represents another significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s justice sector through strategic investment in judicial welfare and infrastructure. As judicial infrastructure continues to expand, expectations remain high for a more effective and resilient justice system nationwide.