President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration is providing befitting accommodation for judicial officers to strengthen judicial independence, protect the dignity of judges and reinforce the judiciary as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of 10 residential quarters for judges of the Federal High Court at Katampe District, Abuja.
The President said the project was not merely about commissioning buildings, but about giving practical meaning to judicial independence by ensuring that judges work and live in conditions that support security, comfort and peace of mind.
“We are here not just to commission buildings but to fortify a vital pillar of our democracy — the judiciary,” Tinubu said.
He said the project formed part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, under which his administration promised to rebuild institutional trust, secure the nation and ensure that the rule of law is not compromised or delayed.
According to him, true judicial independence cannot remain an abstract idea if judicial officers are left vulnerable or exposed to poor living conditions.
“You cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security and peace of mind are left to chance,” he said.
Tinubu described the new quarters as a deliberate shield against vulnerability and a clear statement that Nigeria values those who interpret its laws.
“True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers. By providing this set of residential quarters, we are ensuring that our Federal High Court judges operate from a place of security, comfort and utmost dignity,” he added.
The President urged judges who would occupy the quarters to remain committed to the swift, fair and transparent dispensation of justice.
He said the homes should become centres of reflection, integrity and honour, adding that judgments delivered by the judiciary must continue to strengthen the fabric of Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project, describing him as dynamic, focused and committed to transforming Abuja into a world-class city.
“When I gave Minister Wike the assignment to transform Abuja into a world-class city, I knew his capacity to deliver. You have not disappointed me,” he said.
“From fixing critical road networks to ensuring the timely completion of projects like these judges’ quarters, you have proven that performance is the only currency that matters in public service,” he added.
In his remarks, Wike said the project was part of the President’s commitment to an independent judiciary.
He noted that the Court of Appeal judges’ quarters had been inaugurated a day earlier, while the Federal High Court quarters were being commissioned, with the FCT High Court judges’ quarters scheduled for inauguration in July.
“Yesterday we commissioned the 10 judges’ quarters for the Court of Appeal. Today we are here for the Federal High Court. July 7 precisely, we will be doing that of the FCT High Court,” Wike said.
The minister said the area had been designated as a Judges’ Zone, adding that surrounding properties had been acquired to protect the security and privacy of judicial officers.
He said a police station would also be built within the area to further secure the estate.
“It is not just giving them houses; security is also important,” Wike said.
Wike further appealed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, noting that poor maintenance culture often affects government projects.
He said the contractor had six months to maintain the structures before final handover.
Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, commended Tinubu and Wike for addressing what he described as a long-standing accommodation challenge facing judges.
He said the welfare of judges had been a matter of deep concern for decades, adding that the completion of the project showed courage, collaboration and hope.
According to him, judges shape the legal direction of society through their pronouncements, but rarely speak publicly without being misunderstood or criticised.
He said the provision of accommodation would allow judicial officers to work with greater peace, stability and focus.
“It is deeply encouraging and gives immense hope to the judiciary and the nation at large to see that the welfare of career professionals is being taken seriously,” Justice Tsoho said.
“With a renewed sense of security and institutional support, our judiciary can rest satisfied in its independence and focus entirely on the administration of justice,” he added.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, said the FCT Administration awarded the contract for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District in September 2024.
Dauda said the 10 units commissioned were specifically designated for judges of the Federal High Court.
He explained that the project comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes, each with boys’ quarters, alongside an event centre, neighbourhood shop, gatehouse, generator houses, landscaping, recreational ground, perimeter fencing, paved roads, walkways, drainage, electricity and water supply.
The contractor, Details Development Nigeria Limited, said the Federal High Court section of the estate was delivered as part of the broader 40-unit judges’ housing development and had provided economic opportunities for over 2,000 Nigerians across different trades.
The company said each duplex was designed to provide comfort, functionality, security and a befitting living environment for judicial officers.
The inauguration marks another phase in the FCT Administration’s judicial housing programme aimed at improving judges’ welfare, strengthening justice delivery and giving practical support to the independence of the judiciary.
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