Tinubu commissions judges’ quarters, pushes judicial reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms.

Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President described the housing estate as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.

Tinubu said the project, part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary.

He noted that the provision of secure and modern accommodation for judges would strengthen judicial independence and improve service delivery, stressing that investing in the welfare of judicial officers benefits the entire nation.

The President also disclosed plans to expand judicial infrastructure in the area, with additional land earmarked for judges of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, describing the district as a potential “Judiciary Boulevard.”

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the timely execution of the project and urged state governments to invest in judicial infrastructure and adequately support courts within their jurisdictions.

Speaking at the event, Wike called on governors to take responsibility for federal courts located in their states, arguing that such institutions primarily serve the people of the host states.

Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, Wike recalled building infrastructure for the National Industrial Court in Port Harcourt to spare litigants the burden of travelling to neighbouring states for hearings.

He dismissed claims that providing infrastructure for judges could undermine judicial independence, insisting that such interventions strengthen the justice system.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the new estate as a milestone in improving the welfare and security of judicial officers.

She said secure and conducive housing protects judges from undue influence, enhances the integrity of the judicial process and helps attract and retain experienced judicial officers.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, said the project forms part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.

The estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre, recreational facilities, road network, water and electricity infrastructure, standby generators and perimeter fencing.

The commissioning came barely a day after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on strengthening judicial infrastructure.