Renewed Hope Agenda Delivering on Rule of Law as Tinubu Commissions 20 FCT Judges’ Quarters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared that his administration is delivering on its promise to strengthen the rule of law and rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s institutions, as he commissioned 20 residential quarters for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Katampe District, Abuja.

Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), the President said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare, security and independence of judicial officers.

“When we embarked on the Renewed Hope Agenda three years ago, we promised to rebuild institutional trust, secure our nation and ensure that the rule of law is neither compromised nor delayed. Today, with the commissioning of these 20 units of FCT High Court Judges’ Quarters, we take another definitive, tangible step towards fulfilling that promise,” Tinubu said.

He described the project as more than the inauguration of another public facility, saying it represents a deliberate investment in one of democracy’s most critical institutions.

According to him, the housing project forms part of a broader intervention by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen the justice sector through improved welfare and infrastructure.

The President recalled that the administration had earlier commissioned 10 residential quarters each for judges of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, as well as the first phase of accommodation for staff of the Nigerian Law School, while construction has also commenced on residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Responding to criticisms that the provision of official residences for judges could compromise judicial independence, Tinubu dismissed the claims as unfounded.

“I am aware of media commentary suggesting that the FCT Administration’s provision of judges’ quarters is intended to exert improper influence on the judiciary. This is simply an intervention project and has nothing to do with the judiciary’s budget, which remains intact and respected,” he said.

He argued that decent accommodation would instead enable judges to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without distractions.

“Comfort frees our judicial officers to focus on their solemn duties, preserve the rule of law, adjudicate without discomfort and enjoy the security that allows them to give their very best to the nation. That is the kind of influence these projects are meant to exert,” he added.

Tinubu also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for driving what he described as transformative infrastructure development across the nation’s capital.

He said the projects executed by the FCTA demonstrate the administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary and improving public institutions through practical interventions.

Addressing the gathering, the FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike said the project fulfilled one of President Tinubu’s key directives to improve the welfare and security of judicial officers.

According to him, the President had, from the inception of the administration, emphasised the need to strengthen judicial independence through better welfare packages and secure accommodation.

“You cannot talk about an independent judiciary without improving the welfare and security of judicial officers. It was the President’s clear directive that something had to be done, and that is why we embarked on these projects,” Wike said.

He disclosed that the FCTA would hand over three additional court complexes for judges and magistrates before the end of the year and revealed plans to construct another 20 housing units for FCT High Court judges before the end of President Tinubu’s first term.

The minister also defended the administration against criticisms over land allocation in Katampe, explaining that the area was reclaimed from Julius Berger in the overriding public interest after remaining undeveloped for decades due to the absence of infrastructure.

“When you are determined to do the right thing, criticisms will come. But we remain focused on delivering projects that benefit Nigerians,” he said.

Wike further hinted that the administration would seek presidential approval to allow judges occupying the new quarters to acquire the houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, described the project as a landmark investment in judicial independence and the welfare of judicial officers.

He said the provision of quality accommodation would improve judges’ productivity, security and peace of mind, while reinforcing the integrity of the justice delivery system.

“The welfare of judicial officers is not a privilege. It is an institutional necessity that promotes stability, enhances productivity, safeguards personal security and preserves the dignity that must accompany judicial office,” the Chief Judge said.

He thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for supporting the judiciary and appealed for similar interventions for the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal.

The commissioning marked the 26th consecutive project inaugurated by the FCTA as part of activities commemorating the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.