President dismisses concerns over influence on the judiciary as FCT unveils 20 new homes for High Court judges and announces more justice-sector infrastructure……
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary, saying improved welfare and secure housing for judicial officers are essential to protecting the rule of law rather than compromising it.
Speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), during the commissioning of 20 residential quarters for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, the President described the project as another milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Tinubu, the newly completed housing estate is more than a government construction project. He said it represents a deliberate investment in the institutions responsible for safeguarding justice and democratic governance.
He noted that the administration had pledged to restore confidence in public institutions, improve national security and uphold the rule of law, adding that the judges’ quarters demonstrate that those commitments are being translated into tangible projects.
Responding to criticisms that the provision of official residences could create undue influence over the judiciary, the President dismissed the suggestion, insisting that the intervention has no bearing on judicial independence.
Tinubu explained that the judiciary’s budget remains constitutionally protected and unaffected, stressing that the housing initiative is strictly a welfare programme designed to provide judges with a secure and comfortable environment in which to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
He argued that better living conditions would allow judicial officers to focus fully on dispensing justice without the distractions associated with inadequate accommodation or security concerns.
The President also highlighted other infrastructure projects delivered to support the justice sector, including previously commissioned residential quarters for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, accommodation for staff of the Nigerian Law School, and ongoing housing projects for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as significant progress in expanding infrastructure across Abuja, saying the projects reflect the administration’s commitment to strengthening public institutions through practical investments.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Wike said the housing development was initiated in response to President Tinubu’s directive to improve the welfare, security and working conditions of judicial officers.
According to the minister, judicial independence cannot be fully achieved without ensuring that judges enjoy adequate welfare and a secure environment.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration plans to commission three additional court complexes for judges and magistrates before the end of the year. He also announced plans to construct another 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges before the completion of President Tinubu’s first term.
Wike further revealed that the administration would seek presidential approval for an owner-occupier arrangement that could eventually allow judges living in the new quarters to acquire the homes.
The minister also defended the government’s decision to reclaim the Katampe land from Julius Berger, explaining that the area had remained undeveloped for years because of inadequate infrastructure and that the decision was taken in the overriding public interest.
Acknowledging that major government projects often attract criticism, Wike said the administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure that directly benefits Nigerians.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, described the housing project as a major boost for the judiciary.
He said quality accommodation would improve judges’ productivity, strengthen their security and preserve the dignity associated with judicial office. He added that investment in the welfare of judicial officers should be viewed as an institutional necessity rather than a privilege.
Justice Baba-Yusuf also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Administration for supporting the judiciary and appealed for similar housing interventions for the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal.
The commissioning of the judges’ quarters marks the 26th project inaugurated by the FCT Administration as part of activities commemorating the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
