Tinubu: Judicial independence requires security, dignity for judges

President Bola Tinubu says judicial independence cannot be guaranteed without providing judges with adequate security, dignity, and a conducive environment to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Tinubu stated this while commissioning 10 residential quarters for Justices of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The president, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the project as a strategic investment in the judiciary and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

According to him, the provision of quality accommodation for judicial officers goes beyond infrastructure development and reflects government’s resolve to reinforce one of the most critical pillars of 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,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu noted that the commissioning came a day after the inauguration of similar residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal, stressing that the projects were part of deliberate efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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,” the president stated.

He added that the new quarters would provide security, comfort, and dignity for judges while reaffirming government’s recognition of the vital role they play in interpreting the nation’s 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), Nyesom Wike, for driving key infrastructure projects across Abuja and delivering on the mandate to transform the nation’s capital.

“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,” Tinubu added.

The president also appreciated the leadership of the judiciary for its collaboration with the executive arm, describing the relationship as beneficial to national development.

He charged the beneficiaries of the quarters to remain committed to fairness, transparency and integrity in the administration of justice.

Earlier, Wike said the provision of modern accommodation for judges was a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Tinubu inaugurates judges’ quarters in Abuja

Wike disclosed that after the completion of housing projects for Court of Appeal and Federal High Court Justices, the FCT Administration will on July 7 commission 22 residential quarters for judges of the FCT High Court.

The minister further revealed that construction of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal had commenced and would be completed by January 2027.

According to him, judicial independence cannot be discussed in isolation from the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

“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,” Wike said.

He disclosed that the Katampe area was being developed as a dedicated judicial district, with plans for additional security infrastructure, including a police station, to guarantee the safety of judges.

Wike also urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities and preserve the quality of the estate.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the long-standing accommodation challenges facing judges have been a matter of deep concern for decades, noting that the steps to address them were met with mixed reactions in the media.

Tsoho commended Tinubu and Wike for the steps taken despite critics in the media to provide befitting accommodation to judges and improve the welfare of judicial officers.

In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a significant investment in the administration of justice and the consolidation of democratic institutions.

She said the judges’ quarters reflected the federal government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with the infrastructure required to operate with dignity, independence and excellence.

Mahmoud commended Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for initiatives aimed at strengthening key institutions of governance.

She also praised Wike for his commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the FCT.