By Stephen Simon
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the independence of the judiciary through improved welfare and infrastructure for judicial officers, saying judges must be provided with a secure and conducive environment to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour.
The President made the declaration on Wednesday while commissioning 20 newly constructed housing units for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court at the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja. Tinubu, who was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as another milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the justice sector.
According to the President, judicial independence goes beyond constitutional guarantees and must be backed by policies that protect the welfare, security and dignity of judicial officers. He stressed that no nation can expect its judges to administer justice effectively if their comfort and peace of mind are neglected.
Tinubu said the provision of decent accommodation for judges forms part of his administration’s broader agenda to deepen the rule of law, improve public confidence in the justice system and reinforce democratic governance. He noted that investments in the judiciary should not be viewed as privileges but as necessary safeguards for the effective administration of justice.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the FCT Administration would seek presidential approval for beneficiaries of the housing scheme to own the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement. He added that the initiative was aimed at further enhancing the welfare of judicial officers and preserving the independence of the Bench.
Wike said the Katampe District is being developed as a dedicated judicial zone, with additional infrastructure and security facilities planned to provide a safe and conducive environment for judges. He urged the beneficiaries to maintain the facilities, describing the project as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s justice system.
The commissioning of the judges’ quarters is the latest in a series of judicial infrastructure projects undertaken by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers and strengthen the administration of justice across the count
