RismadarVoice Reporters, June 16, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and institutional reforms as he commissioned a newly completed 10-unit Court of Appeal Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja.
The President, represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the housing project as a strategic investment in the rule of law and democratic governance.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, which includes a series of judicial infrastructure projects aimed at improving working and living conditions for judicial officers.
Tinubu said the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure, stressing that a strong justice system requires adequate facilities and support structures to ensure efficiency and independence.
He noted that the provision of residential accommodation for judges reflects the government’s commitment to improving welfare, enhancing judicial performance and safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.
According to him, the judiciary plays a critical role in democracy, and its effectiveness depends not only on laws and personnel but also on the environment in which judicial officers operate.
The President further explained that improved welfare for judges should be regarded as a national investment, arguing that secure and conducive housing contributes to a more independent and efficient judiciary.
He also disclosed that additional land has been allocated within the district for future judicial infrastructure projects, including accommodation for judges of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court, Code of Conduct Bureau and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu added that the expansion could eventually transform the area into what he described as a “Judiciary Boulevard,” housing multiple judicial institutions in one location.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the successful delivery of the project, describing his performance as efficient and commendable.
The President also urged state governments to emulate the Federal Government by investing in judicial infrastructure and improving the welfare of judicial officers within their jurisdictions.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike emphasised the importance of state-level support for federal judicial institutions, noting that such courts primarily serve residents of host states.
He cited his experience as Governor of Rivers State, where he facilitated the establishment of a National Industrial Court division and provided residential accommodation for judges to ease access to justice and reduce travel burdens for litigants.
Wike maintained that supporting judicial infrastructure does not undermine judicial independence but rather strengthens the justice system and improves service delivery.
He also disclosed that President Tinubu personally encouraged greater investment in judicial welfare and infrastructure development.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the new residential quarters as an important milestone in improving the working environment and welfare of judicial officers.
She noted that a judge’s environment, including living conditions, plays a significant role in the delivery of justice, as it supports reflection, impartiality and professional efficiency.
According to her, secure and well-designed housing helps protect judicial officers from external pressures and enhances public confidence in the justice system.
She added that sustained investment in modern infrastructure and welfare systems is essential to building a judiciary capable of meeting future challenges.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, said the project forms part of a broader 40-unit housing development for judges in the Katampe District.
He explained that the estate includes fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes, boys’ quarters, recreational facilities, road networks, water supply systems, electricity infrastructure, and security installations.
The project was executed by Messrs. Details to Dots Development Nigeria Limited and completed according to specifications.
The commissioning follows the recent inauguration of a new Court of Appeal complex in Abuja, highlighting the administration’s continued focus on judicial infrastructure development.
