Tinubu unveils 20 housing units for judges, says ‘welfare key to judicial independence’

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is building the dignity of judicial officers to achieve true judicial independence in the country.

Mr Tinubu stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating 20-housing units, constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, for FCT High Court judges, in Judges’ Quarters, Katampe, Abuja.

The president, represented by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, noted that people often spoke of judicial independence in abstract terms.

According to him, independent thinking requires an independent and secure environment.

“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance. True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers.

“By providing these state-of-the-art residential quarters across multiple courts, we ensure that our judges and justices work from a place of security, comfort, and utmost dignity.

“This is a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret our laws.”

He recalled that 10 housing units for judges of the Court of Appeal and another 10 for judges of the Federal High Court, were earlier inaugurated by his administration.

He added that the administration also inaugurated the first phase of the 10 housing units for lecturers and staff of the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, while the second phase had commenced in earnest.

“We also laid the foundation for the construction of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

“Today’s event, therefore, is not merely the unveiling of another building. It is a testament to a deliberate and sustained commitment to strengthening one of the vital pillars of our democracy, the judiciary.”

Mr Tinubu commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his tireless, dynamic, and unapologetically focused in transforming Abuja into a capital that reflected Nigeria’s pride.

Reacting, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Husseini Baba-Yunusa, noted that the project, which began as a vision, nurtured and driven by Wike’s relentless dedication had finally unfolded into something extraordinary.

Mr Baba-Yunusa described the gesture as a “deliberate investment in the dignity of judicial officers and welfare of judges.”

According to him, the strength of every democratic society rests upon strong institutions, and amongst those institutions, the judiciary occupies a unique place.

“The judiciary is entrusted with the solemn duty of interpreting the law, protecting rights, resolving disputes, restraining arbitrariness, and preserving the balance upon which democratic governance rests.

“For judges to discharge this onerous duty with courage, independence, and clarity of mind, their welfare and working conditions must receive consistent and practical attention.

“This project, therefore, speaks to a fundamental truth: the welfare of judicial officers is not a privilege; it is an institutional necessity that promotes stability, enhances productivity, safeguards personal security, and preserves the dignity that must accompany judicial office.”

In his remarks, Mr Wike explained that the 20 houses were part of the 40-housing units of Judges’ Quarters, constructed by the FCTA.

He explained that the project was aimed at providing secured, functional, and comfortable residential accommodation for judicial officers to enhance the delivery of justice.

He said that the gesture was in fulfilment of Tinubu’s quest for an independent judiciary through improving the welfare and security of the judicial officers.

“We will not stop here, the FCT Administration will build more houses for the judges of the FCT High Court.

“I believe that before the first tenure of Mr President expires, we would have gone far in the construction of 20 additional houses for the judges of the FCT High Court,” he said.

Earlier, Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the contract was awarded in September 2024.

Mr Dauda said that the scope of works included the construction of 20 fully furnished, five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for each of the houses.

“Other amenities within the estate include an event centre, neighbourhood shop, gatehouse, generator houses with generators, general landscaping with a recreational ground, and perimeter fencing,” he said.
NAN