Tinubu unveils 20 judges’ quarters in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said his administration is fulfilling its commitment to strengthen the rule of law and rebuild confidence in public institutions with the commissioning of 20 residential quarters for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.

Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President described the project as a significant investment in the judiciary aimed at improving the welfare, security and independence of judicial officers.

Tinubu said the housing project demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen democratic institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that the administration had previously commissioned 10 housing units each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, as well as the first phase of residential accommodation for staff of the Nigerian Law School. He added that construction of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal is also ongoing.

Responding to concerns that the provision of official residences for judges could undermine judicial independence, the President dismissed the claims, insisting that the project has no connection with the judiciary’s budget.

According to him, providing decent accommodation would enable judges to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without unnecessary distractions while enhancing their safety and productivity.

Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure development across Abuja and supporting the justice sector through practical interventions.

Speaking at the event, Wike said the project was executed in line with Tinubu’s directive to improve the welfare and security of judicial officers.

He said judicial independence cannot be achieved without ensuring adequate welfare and secure accommodation for judges, adding that the FCT Administration remains committed to strengthening the justice system.

The minister disclosed that three additional court complexes for judges and magistrates would be completed and handed over before the end of the year. He also announced plans to construct another 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.

Wike defended the administration against criticisms over the allocation of land in Katampe, explaining that the site was reclaimed from Julius Berger in the overriding public interest after remaining undeveloped for many years due to a lack of infrastructure.

He also revealed that the FCT Administration would seek presidential approval to allow judges occupying the new quarters to purchase the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, described the project as a major investment in judicial independence and the welfare of judicial officers.

He said quality housing would improve judges’ productivity, enhance their security and preserve the dignity of the judiciary, while urging the government to extend similar interventions to the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal.

The inauguration of the judges’ quarters is the 26th project commissioned by the FCT Administration as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.