By Ben Adoga, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned a newly constructed residential estate for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, declaring that the welfare of judicial officers remains central to his administration’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and democratic governance.
The estate, located in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with attached three-bedroom domestic quarters and other supporting facilities.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration. It also coincided with the groundbreaking ceremony for the residential quarters of the judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Represented at the event by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the President described the project as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the independence, dignity and welfare of the judiciary.
“The welfare of judicial officers is not a matter of privilege. It is a strategic investment in the rule of law. When judges are provided with secure accommodation, a conducive working environment and institutional support, the entire justice system benefits, and ultimately, the nation as well,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that a strong and independent judiciary remains the foundation of good governance, economic development and social stability.
According to the President, the project was funded as a special federal intervention and executed independently of the judiciary’s statutory allocations, which he noted had also increased significantly under his administration.
Tinubu commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for delivering the project, describing him as “dependable, hardworking, diligent and a man of taste.”
He also urged state governments to emulate the initiative by investing in judicial infrastructure within their jurisdictions.
“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary must not rest only with the Federal Government. State governments have a corresponding obligation to ensure that their respective judiciaries are adequately funded, properly equipped and provided with infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery,” he said.
Earlier, Wike revealed that the land on which the estate was built had been allocated to a construction company about 15 years ago but remained undeveloped until the FCT Administration revoked the allocation.
The Minister recalled facing criticism over the revocation but said the completion of the project had justified the decision.
“They can now see that I didn’t come to grab land. I only came to see where we can develop and provide infrastructure for our judicial officers. Once you know what you are doing, don’t bother yourself about naysayers,” Wike said.
He disclosed that adjoining private properties were being acquired with compensation to create a secure buffer zone around the estate, and urged the judiciary to maintain the facility properly.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the project as historic, noting that it coincides with the court’s 50th anniversary.
She said quality accommodation would enhance the safety, independence and effectiveness of judicial officers.
Justice Dongban-Mensem thanked President Tinubu and Wike for providing what she described as a dignified and conducive environment for appellate court justices.
Also speaking, President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, praised the administration for extending similar housing plans to judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, disclosed that the FCTA had awarded contracts for 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe, with the 10 units commissioned on Tuesday designated for Court of Appeal justices.
He said the estate was designed to provide secure and comfortable accommodation that could enhance the administration of justice.
The facility includes a 150-capacity event centre, recreational grounds, neighbourhood shops, gatehouse, power and water infrastructure, internal roads and perimeter fencing.
Project contractor, Architect Akor Adapoyi of Details-2-Dot, said the development reflects the critical role played by the Court of Appeal in Nigeria’s justice system and provides residences befitting the responsibilities of its justices.
