“Judges Perform Better When Their Security And Well-Being Are Assured” Says NICN President Kanyip Praises Housing Initiative
Judges’ Housing Project Meant To Improve Welfare, Not Influence Judiciary — Wike
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that the provision of residential quarters for judicial officers is aimed at improving their welfare, security and efficiency, not to influence or compromise the independence of the judiciary.
Wike spoke in Abuja during the commissioning of 10 fully furnished Court of Appeal judges’ quarters at Katampe District and the flag-off of additional residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu’s representative, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip; heads of courts, judges, senior government officials, lawmakers and other stakeholders.
The FCT Administration said the Court of Appeal quarters form part of a broader project for the design and construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, with 10 units specifically delivered for justices of the Court of Appeal.
According to the project overview, the completed estate comprises 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes, each with boys’ quarters, as well as an event centre, neighbourhood shop, gatehouse, generator houses, recreational ground, landscaping, perimeter fencing, asphalt-paved access roads, walkways, electricity supply and water reticulation.
Wike said the project was undertaken in obedience to President Tinubu’s directive to support the judiciary with befitting infrastructure and accommodation.
He said the Federal Government had not only approved a new complex for the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal but also directed the provision of residences for justices.
The minister explained that the land used for the project had been revoked in the public interest after it remained undeveloped for about 15 years, despite being allocated to a private entity.
He said criticisms that he had “grabbed” the land were misplaced, adding that the public can now see that the land was taken to build accommodation for judicial officers.
“They can now see that I didn’t come to grab land. I only came to see where we can develop for the judicial officers,” Wike said.
The minister also disclosed that more land around the judges’ quarters had been taken over to secure the environment and prevent private developments that could expose judicial officers to security risks.
According to him, a police station will also be constructed around the area, although as a separate project.
Wike said judicial officers deserve secured and decent accommodation because of the sensitive nature of their work, stressing that poor housing and unsafe living conditions can affect the administration of justice.
Responding to criticism that such projects may be intended to buy over the judiciary, Wike said his record as governor of Rivers State showed that his support for judicial institutions was driven by public interest and not personal gain.
He recalled that while serving as governor, he provided facilities for the National Industrial Court in Rivers State because many cases from Rivers were being heard in Bayelsa State, exposing litigants and lawyers to unnecessary hardship and risk.
He also said he renovated and improved the Court of Appeal facilities in Port Harcourt despite the fact that the court had previously nullified his election.
According to him, refusing to support the judiciary because of a past unfavourable judgment would only punish the people who rely on the courts for justice.
“When they say you are doing this to buy the judiciary over, let me say this clearly. My election was nullified. Ordinarily, I would not agree to do anything, but who is going to lose? My people in the state will lose,” Wike said.
The minister urged state governments not to leave all judicial infrastructure to the Federal Government, noting that courts located in states primarily serve the people of those states.
He said governors should provide befitting accommodation and facilities for judges in their states, especially where Federal High Court, Court of Appeal or Industrial Court divisions exist.
“Federal Government cannot do everything. I challenge states and governors: if there is a division in your state, do the same thing. It doesn’t cost much. If you support the judiciary, that independence we are talking about, they will have it,” he said.
Wike also warned against poor maintenance culture, urging the judiciary to ensure that the new quarters are properly maintained.
He said government projects often deteriorate because occupants treat them as public property and not as facilities placed in their care.
The minister said the condition of the estate should remain the same in six months, adding that cleanliness and maintenance must be taken seriously.
In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the commissioning as more than the unveiling of a residential estate.
She said the project represents the fulfillment of an institutional obligation to provide secure, dignified and tranquil accommodation for judicial officers entrusted with the responsibility of administering justice.
According to her, the quality of justice delivered in court is influenced by the conditions under which judges live, reflect and work outside the courtroom.
She said secure housing protects justices and their families from external coercion, threats and possible reprisals arising from the discharge of judicial duties.
Justice Dongban-Mensem said the quarters would also help safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of judicial processes by reducing exposure to improper interference.
She added that adequate accommodation enhances well-being, productivity, concentration and retention of experienced judicial officers.
The Court of Appeal President said the project came at a historic moment as the court marks its 50th anniversary, noting that building a judiciary fit for the next 50 years requires sustained investment in modern facilities, technology and welfare.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Wike for recognising that judicial welfare is an indispensable pillar of the rule of law.
Also speaking, the President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, said the flag-off of quarters for NICN judges was a strategic affirmation of judicial welfare, security and independence.
He said safe, comfortable and secure residences would enable judges to dispense justice without fear or distraction.
Justice Kanyip said the project goes beyond rhetoric and represents a practical demonstration of support for the judiciary.
He also recalled that Wike, while serving as Rivers State governor, built court facilities and residential houses for NICN judges in Port Harcourt, a gesture he said helped the court function effectively in the state.
Delivering President Tinubu’s address, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the commissioning of the Court of Appeal judges’ quarters was part of a series of judicial infrastructure projects being delivered to mark the third anniversary of the administration.
He said the project was a tangible demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare, independence, efficiency and dignity of the judiciary.
According to him, a strong justice sector requires not only sound laws and competent judicial officers, but also the infrastructure and support systems needed for the judiciary to perform its constitutional duties without hindrance.
Tinubu said the project was a special intervention by the Federal Government, separate from the judiciary’s statutory budgetary allocation, which he said had also increased under his administration.
He described judicial welfare as a strategic investment in the rule of law, not a privilege.
“When judges are provided with secure accommodation, conducive working environments and institutional support necessary to carry out their functions, the entire justice system benefits, and ultimately, the nation as well,” he said.
The President also encouraged state governments and subnational authorities to emulate the example by properly funding, equipping and supporting their judiciaries.
He said a well-supported judiciary is indispensable to good governance, economic growth, investment confidence, social stability and national development.
Tinubu formally commissioned the 10 Court of Appeal judges’ quarters, saying the facilities should stand as a symbol of the country’s commitment to justice, rule of law and national progress.
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