RismadarVoice Reporters, June 17, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that true judicial independence can only thrive when judicial officers are provided with dignity, security and adequate welfare, stressing that judges cannot effectively dispense justice if their basic comfort and safety are neglected.
The President asserted this on Wednesday while commissioning a newly constructed 10-unit residential quarters for judges of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the project as a major step toward strengthening the judiciary and deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“We are not merely commissioning buildings today; we are fortifying one of the most important pillars of our democracy—the Judiciary,” the President said.
“True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers. By providing these state-of-the-art residential quarters, we are ensuring that our Federal High Court judges operate from a place of security, comfort and utmost dignity.”
According to him, providing secure accommodation and a conducive working environment for judges is not a privilege but a national necessity aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.
He noted that the project aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to rebuild institutional trust, strengthen the rule of law and enhance governance across the country.
“For too long, we have discussed judicial independence in abstract terms. But independent thought requires an independent and secure environment,” Tinubu stated.
The President urged members of the judiciary to reciprocate government’s support through the timely, fair and transparent dispensation of justice.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on equity and justice. As we provide the infrastructure to make your lives easier, we ask in return for an unwavering commitment to the swift, fair and transparent dispensation of justice,” he said.
He added that the residences should serve as centres of integrity, reflection and honour, with judgments that continue to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering the project within schedule, describing him as a results-driven public servant.
“When I gave Minister Wike the assignment to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city, I knew his capacity for delivery. You have proven that performance is the only currency that matters in public service,” he said.
Earlier, Wike said the completion of the judges’ quarters reflects the administration’s commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.
The minister disclosed that the Katampe District area where the project is located has been designated for residential accommodation for judges and other senior judicial officers serving in the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged beneficiaries to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, described the project as a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to judicial independence and the strengthening of democratic governance.
The commissioning of the housing estate comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve infrastructure and welfare across key institutions of government, including the judiciary.
