President Bola Tinubu says the welfare of judicial officers is not a privilege but a strategic investment in strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating 10 housing units for justices of the Court of Appeal, at the newly constructed judges’ quarters, in Katampe.

The President, represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the project demonstrated his administration’s dedication to improving the physical infrastructure of the justice sector.

“When judges are provided with secure accommodation, conducive working environments, and the institutional support necessary to carry out their functions, the entire justice system benefits, and ultimately, the nation as well.

“A well-supported judiciary is indispensable to good governance, economic growth, investment confidence, and social stability. 

“Accordingly, every effort made to strengthen judicial institutions should be seen not as a mere expenditure, but as an investment in democracy, peace, and national development,” he said.

Mr Tinubu assured the judicial arm of government of the federal government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and advancing the administration of justice.

This, according to him, will continue to inspire confidence in the nation’s governance architecture.

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

“It reflects our collective understanding that a strong and effective justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers, but also the infrastructure and support system necessary to enable the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities without hindrance.”

The president said he directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to undertake the housing projects as part of efforts to strengthen judicial institutions and improve the welfare of judicial officers.

He commended Mr Wike, whom he described as his “dependable, hard-working, diligent, and a man of taste,” and his team for the diligence, dedication, and efficiency in implementing his directives. 

Mr Tinubu further called on state governments to extend a similar gesture to the judiciary by investing hugely in providing critical infrastructure to the judiciary.

In his remarks, Mr Wike insisted that the effort was not in any way an attempt to influence the judiciary, as erroneously perceived by critics, but rather a commitment to strengthening the judiciary’s independence.

“Let me clear the air. At the time we built similar facilities in Rivers State, my own election was nullified by a panel chaired by a judge who is sitting right here today. 

“Ordinarily, a politician might refuse to help after that, but who loses if we don’t build? The people of the state lose. We will continue to do what is important. 

“Mr President told me directly: ‘Do not bother; go ahead and do whatever is necessary to improve the welfare of judges and justices. I thank Mr President for this opportunity,” he said.

President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, thanked Messrs Tinubu and Wike for recognising judicial welfare as key to strengthening the rule of law.

Mrs Dongban-Mensem said that providing housing for judicial officers would create a tranquil environment for those entrusted with solemn responsibilities.

She pointed out that secure housing protects judicial officers and their families from potential external coercion and the latent risk of betrayal that may accompany the conscientious discharge of judicial duties.

In a related development, Mr Tinubu laid the bricks for the construction of judges’ quarters for the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Bureau in the area.

President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, commended Messrs Tinubu and Wike for the strategic move to improve judicial welfare, security, and independence. 

Mr Kanyip described the development as a commendable milestone in Mr Tinubu’s government’s efforts to improve judicial welfare and assert their independence. 

“Providing safe, comfortable, and secure residences is, no doubt, crucial for the judiciary to function effectively without fear or external influence,” he said.

Earlier, Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, said the project was awarded in September 2024 for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in the Katampe district. 

Mr Dauda said that 10 of the houses were specifically for the judges of the Court of Appeal.

He said that the scope of work for the project includes the construction of 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters for each of the houses within the judges’ estate.

“Other amenities provided in this estate include an event centre, which can take at least 150 people, a neighbourhood shop, a gatehouse, generator houses, general landscaping, a recreational ground, as well as perimeter fencing.

“Additional estate infrastructure like asphalt-paved access roads, walkways, electricity power supply, as well as water reticulation, is also provided,” he said. 

(NAN)