Tinubu Commissions Appeal Court Judges’ Residential Quarters In Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and institutional reforms as he commissioned the newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, describing the project as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.

Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President said the housing estate formed part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration, stressing that a functional justice system requires more than laws and judicial officers.

“We gather on this important occasion for the commissioning of the 10th Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters here in Katampe. This event is part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being commissioned over a three-week period to commemorate the third anniversary of this administration,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the project was a special intervention by the Federal Government, separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocations, which he said had also increased significantly under his administration.

“Today’s event is much more than the unveiling of physical infrastructure; it is a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s enduring commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary,” he said.

“A strong and effective justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers, but also the infrastructure and support systems necessary to enable the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.”

Tinubu explained that the provision of modern residential accommodation for judges was aimed at enhancing judicial independence, efficiency and service delivery, emphasizing that the welfare of judicial officers should be viewed as a national investment.

“The welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law. When judges are provided with secure accommodation and conducive working environments, the entire nation benefits,” he stated.

The President also disclosed plans for further expansion of judicial infrastructure within the district, revealing that additional land had been earmarked for judges of the National Industrial Court, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

“With all these developments, this area could easily be declared the ‘Judiciary Boulevard,’” he said.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for executing the project efficiently.

“I wish to commend my dependable, hardworking and diligent Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, and his team for the efficiency with which this directive was implemented,” he said.

The President further challenged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure and welfare.

“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure their respective judicial sectors are adequately funded, properly equipped and provided with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he added.

In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike urged governors across the country to take greater responsibility for the development of federal judicial institutions located within their states, arguing that the courts primarily serve the citizens of the host states.

“Governors, I say this: if there is a federal judicial division in a state, that governor knows those courts are serving their own citizens. The Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, the National Industrial Court they do not render services to neighbouring states; they serve the host state,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as Governor of Rivers State, Wike recalled how he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and judges’ accommodation to save litigants from travelling to Bayelsa State.

“When I visited the President of the Industrial Court, he said move to have an Industrial Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was stalled by lack of infrastructure. He added that there will be an Industrial Court in Rivers State if I will be willing to provide the necessary infrastructure.

“I immediately replied, ‘I am willing. Give me the designs.’ We took the designs, built the court and provided accommodation. Today, our people no longer face the logistical hazards of travelling to Bayelsa to have their cases heard,” he recounted.

The minister dismissed criticisms that such interventions could compromise judicial independence, insisting that providing infrastructure for judges strengthens rather than weakens the judiciary.

“Taking care of these institutions does not cost us more than we can afford, and it directly guarantees the true independence of the judiciary,” he said.

Wike disclosed that President Tinubu personally encouraged him to prioritize judicial welfare and infrastructure.

“Mr. President told me directly: ‘Do not bother; go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices,’” he revealed.

President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, described the project as a milestone in the quest to provide a secure and dignified environment for judicial officers.

She noted that while judicial proceedings occur in courtrooms, the quality of justice delivered is often influenced by the environment in which judges live and reflect.

“These quarters constitute an extension of the intellectual, contemplative space essential to judicial work,” she said.

According to her, secure housing protects judicial officers from undue influence and reprisals, safeguards the integrity of judicial processes, and helps attract and retain experienced judges.

“Building a judiciary fit for the next 50 years requires sustained investment in modern facilities, technological advancement and judicial welfare,” Dongban-Mensem stated.

She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for supporting the judiciary, praying that the estate would become a model for replication across other Court of Appeal divisions nationwide.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project formed part of a larger 40-unit judges’ housing development in Katampe District.

Dauda said the contract, awarded to Messrs. Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited in September 2024, had been completed according to specifications.

He explained that the estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with detached boys’ quarters, an event centre with a minimum capacity of 150 persons, a neighbourhood shop, recreational facilities, asphalt-paved roads, water supply systems, electricity infrastructure, standby generators, perimeter fencing and a secured gatehouse.

The commissioning comes barely a day after the inauguration of the new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on judicial infrastructure as part of broader governance reforms.