President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary with the commissioning of a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President described the project as a strategic investment in the rule of law, judicial independence and democratic governance.
Tinubu said the housing estate is part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being inaugurated to mark the third anniversary of his administration. He noted that beyond legislation and judicial personnel, a functional justice system requires adequate infrastructure and support systems.
According to him, the judges’ quarters represent a special Federal Government intervention aimed at improving the welfare, efficiency and independence of the judiciary. He stressed that providing secure accommodation and a conducive environment for judicial officers ultimately benefits the nation by strengthening the rule of law.
The President also disclosed plans to expand judicial infrastructure in the Katampe area, with additional land allocated for judges of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Code of Conduct Bureau. He remarked that the district could eventually become known as the “Judiciary Boulevard.”
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the speedy execution of the project and urged state governments to invest more in judicial infrastructure and welfare within their jurisdictions.
Speaking at the event, Wike called on governors to support federal judicial institutions located in their states, arguing that the courts primarily serve residents of the host states. Drawing from his experience as Rivers State governor, he recalled facilitating the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and judges’ accommodation in Port Harcourt to improve access to justice.
Wike dismissed concerns that government support for judicial infrastructure could undermine judicial independence, insisting that such interventions strengthen the justice system. He also revealed that President Tinubu personally encouraged him to prioritise the welfare of judges and justices.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the project as a major step toward providing a secure and dignified environment for judicial officers. She noted that quality housing enhances judicial performance, protects judges from undue influence and contributes to the integrity of the justice system.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project is part of a larger 40-unit housing development for judges in Katampe District. He said the estate consists of 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with supporting facilities, including recreational areas, an event centre, road networks, power supply and security infrastructure.
The commissioning comes a day after the inauguration of a new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, highlighting the administration’s renewed focus on judicial infrastructure and institutional reforms.
