President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the importance of judicial welfare to the sustenance of the rule of law and democratic governance, declaring that judicial independence cannot thrive without adequate security, comfort and dignity for judicial officers.

The President stated this on Wednesday while commissioning 10 residential quarters built for judges of the Federal High Court in Katampe District, Abuja. Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The commissioning came barely 24 hours after the inauguration of a similar 10-unit housing project for justices of the Court of Appeal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Addressing judges, government officials and other dignitaries at the event, Tinubu said the housing project reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“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,” he said.

According to him, judicial independence should not be viewed merely as an abstract constitutional principle but must be supported by an environment that guarantees judges security and peace of mind.

“We cannot ask judges to deliver justice without fear or favour if their safety and peace of mind are uncertain. 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,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that the project was part of efforts by the Federal Government to rebuild public trust in institutions and strengthen the administration of justice across the country.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his exceptional commitment to transforming Abuja through infrastructure development.

“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 said.

The President also praised the judiciary for maintaining cordial relations with the executive arm of government, describing the collaboration as beneficial to the Nigerian people.

He urged the beneficiaries of the housing project to remain committed to the ideals of fairness, transparency and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

“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, Wike disclosed that the Federal Government would continue expanding housing and infrastructure support for the judiciary, announcing plans to construct residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court as well as accommodation for officials of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

According to him, the projects, which are already underway within the same district, are expected to be completed by January 2027.

He revealed that a 22-unit housing estate for judges of the FCT High Court would be commissioned on July 7, adding that all the judicial housing projects are being built to the same standard.

The minister said the administration’s intervention in judicial welfare was aimed at deepening the independence of the judiciary and enhancing the rule of law.

“You cannot talk about judicial independence without providing an enabling environment and improving the welfare of judicial officers. These are the things that make judicial independence meaningful,” he said.

Wike also stressed the importance of maintenance culture, urging beneficiaries and relevant authorities to preserve the facilities to ensure they retain their quality over time.

He disclosed that the Katampe district would be developed as a dedicated judicial zone, with plans for additional security infrastructure, including a police station, to safeguard judges residing in the area.

The minister defended the Federal Capital Development Authority’s recovery of undeveloped land within the district for public projects, insisting that the decision was guided by the need to advance critical government infrastructure rather than personal interests.

He said the administration remained committed to creating a secure and conducive environment for judicial officers, describing the projects as part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and public institutions.

The commissioning of the Federal High Court judges’ quarters is one of several judicial infrastructure projects being undertaken by the FCT Administration as part of the Federal Government’s drive to improve the welfare of judicial officers and enhance the administration of justice in the country.