Judicial Independence Requires Security, Dignity for Judges — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said judicial independence cannot be guaranteed without providing judges with adequate security, dignity and a conducive environment to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Tinubu stated this while commissioning 10 residential quarters for Justices of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja, a ceremony performed on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President described the project as a strategic investment in the judiciary and a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

According to him, the provision of quality accommodation for judicial officers goes beyond infrastructure development and reflects government’s resolve to reinforce one of the most critical pillars of democracy.

“We are not just opening houses. We are reinforcing a key pillar of our democracy: the Judiciary. This is what vision and political will can deliver,” Tinubu said.

He noted that the commissioning came a day after the inauguration of similar residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal, stressing that the projects were part of deliberate efforts to rebuild trust in public institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Judicial independence is not an abstract idea. It requires a secure and dignified environment. We cannot ask judges to deliver justice without fear or favour if their safety and peace of mind are uncertain,” the President stated.

He added that the new quarters would provide security, comfort and dignity for judges while reaffirming government’s recognition of the vital role they play in interpreting the nation’s laws.

“By providing these modern quarters, we give our Justices security, comfort and dignity. This is our statement that Nigeria values those who interpret her laws,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, for driving key infrastructure projects across Abuja and delivering on the mandate to transform the nation’s capital.

“When I gave you the task of making Abuja a world-class capital, I knew you would deliver. You have not disappointed me. From roads to projects like this, you have shown that performance is what counts in public service,” he added.

The President also appreciated the leadership of the judiciary for its collaboration with the executive arm, describing the relationship as beneficial to national development.

He charged the beneficiaries of the quarters to remain committed to fairness, transparency and integrity in the administration of justice.

“As we provide these homes, we ask for your continued commitment to swift, fair and transparent justice. Let these quarters be places of reflection and integrity. Let your judgments strengthen our democracy,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the provision of modern accommodation for judges was a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Wike disclosed that after the completion of housing projects for Court of Appeal and Federal High Court Justices, the FCT Administration would on July 7 commission 22 residential quarters for judges of the FCT High Court.

“Yesterday, we commissioned 10 quarters for Court of Appeal Justices. Today, we are commissioning 10 quarters for Federal High Court judges. On July 7, we will commission 22 units for the FCT High Court, all built to the same standard,” he said.

The minister further revealed that construction of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal had commenced and would be completed by January 2027.

According to him, judicial independence cannot be discussed in isolation from the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

“It cannot be independent when you cannot talk about giving them an efficient environment to work and improving their welfare. These are things that will make independence of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law,” Wike said.

He disclosed that the Katampe area was being developed as a dedicated judicial district, with plans for additional security infrastructure, including a police station, to guarantee the safety of judges.

Wike also urged beneficiaries to maintain the facilities and preserve the quality of the estate.

Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, noted that the long-standing accommodation challenges facing judges have been a matter of deep concern for decades, noting that the steps to address them were met with mixed reactions in the media.

Tsoho commended Tinubu and Wike for the bold steps taken despite critics in the media to provide befitting accommodation to judges and improve the welfare of judicial officers.

“As judges, while we shape the legal direction of society on a daily basis through the pronouncements we make in the courtroom, we seldom have the occasion to speak publicly without courting controversy or being misunderstood.

“It is deeply encouraging and gives immense hope to the judiciary and the nation at large to see that the welfare of career professionals is being taken seriously.

“This commitment allows our judicial officers to find peace and stability in their vital roles,” he said.

In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a significant investment in the administration of justice and the consolidation of democratic institutions.

She said the judges’ quarters reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with the infrastructure required to operate with dignity, independence and excellence.

Mahmoud commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for initiatives aimed at strengthening key institutions of governance.

She also praised Wike for his commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, the newly commissioned quarters would enhance the welfare of judicial officers, strengthen justice delivery and serve as enduring symbols of government’s commitment to the rule of law and institutional excellence.