By Chidinma Iroegbu
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reinforced its judicial reform agenda with the commissioning of new Judges’ Quarters in Abuja, aimed at improving the welfare, security and efficiency of judicial officers.
Representing the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building strong institutions and sustaining the rule of law.
Fagbemi said the judiciary remains critical to democracy, dispute resolution and national development, stressing that judges require adequate support to perform their constitutional responsibilities.
“The welfare of judicial officers is not a matter of privilege; it is a strategic investment in the rule of law,” he said, adding that government would continue to invest in judicial infrastructure.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project was part of efforts to provide decent and secure accommodation for judges and justices, noting that judicial officers should work in an environment that guarantees dignity.
Wike said, “Judges and justices should have an independent house and a fitting environment where they can carry out their functions,” adding that more judicial housing projects were underway.
He disclosed that residences were also being developed for judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court and other judicial officers as part of the FCT’s support for justice sector reforms.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the new quarters would strengthen judicial independence by providing a secure environment that protects judges from external pressures.
She noted that proper accommodation would improve concentration, enhance justice delivery and support the effective administration of courts across the country.
President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Kanyip, described the initiative as a major boost to judicial welfare, saying the project would improve efficiency, institutional integrity and public confidence in the justice system.