President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that judicial independence cannot be guaranteed without providing judges with adequate security, dignity and a conducive environment to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

Tinubu stated this on Wednesday during the commissioning of 10 residential quarters for Justices of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja. The ceremony was 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, providing quality accommodation for judicial officers goes beyond infrastructure development and reflects the government’s commitment to supporting one of the key 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, adding that the projects form part of efforts 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.

Tinubu said the new quarters would provide security, comfort and dignity for judges while underscoring government recognition of their role 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.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for overseeing infrastructure projects across Abuja.

“When I gave you the task of making Abuja a world-class capital, I knew you would deliver. From roads to projects like this, you have demonstrated commitment to public service,” he said.

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

He urged 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,” he said.

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

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

“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 should be supported by measures that enhance 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 added that the Katampe area was being developed as a dedicated judicial district, with plans for additional security infrastructure, including a police station.

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, said accommodation challenges facing judges had remained a concern for decades.

Tsoho commended Tinubu and Wike for the steps taken to improve the welfare of judicial officers through the provision of accommodation.

“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 democratic institutions.

She said the judges’ quarters reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the judiciary with infrastructure to support its operations.

Mahmoud commended Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening institutions of governance and praised Wike for infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

According to her, the newly commissioned quarters would enhance the welfare of judicial officers and support justice delivery.