At the flag-off ceremony for the construction of official residences for heads of courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Hon. Justice Hamma Akawu Barka , highlighted the pressing issue of housing insecurity facing Nigeria’s judiciary, recounting his own experience of squatting with a junior brother for two years after his transfer to the capital.
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Representing the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem who is currently out of the country Justice Barka, speaking on her behalf at the event presided over by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, began with a personal anecdote underscoring the precarious living conditions many judicial officers face. “Last year I was privileged to represent my lord the president. Today, once more, my lord has made it possible for me to represent her because she is out of the country,” he said, before revealing: “Suffice to say that on occasions like this, I have one feeling. Maybe many people would not know the accommodation situation some of us judicial officers are in. When I was posted to Abuja as the Presiding Justice, I had to squat with a junior brother for two years. That’s the situation in which some of us… I can tell you without much effort that most of the justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja are living in rented quarters.”
He emphasized the emotional and practical burdens of such arrangements, adding, “So on occasions like this, it gives us hope that at least justices will stay where they can discharge justice without fear or favor.” Justice Barka’s candid disclosure resonated deeply, with Minister Wike visibly shaking his head in dismay, as noted by the event host, who later quipped, “These houses mean justice for judges,” eliciting applause from an audience of judicial leaders, lawmakers, and officials.
The ceremony marked a significant step in addressing long-standing welfare concerns within the judiciary. The project, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and budgeted for in the FCT’s 2024 and 2025 allocations, will provide secure and dignified residences for key figures, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, and the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and FCT High Court. Set for completion within 12 months, the properties will serve as official quarters during service and become personal homes for the judges upon retirement.
Delivering the prepared remarks of Justice Dongban-Mensem, Justice Barka conveyed her “heartfelt appreciation” to President Tinubu for his “firm dedication to strengthening the judicial system,” manifested in initiatives like this one. He extended “collective gratitude” to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her “exemplary leadership and collegial guidance [that] continues to inspire unity, discipline, and purpose within the Nigerian judiciary.”
The address also highlighted the pivotal role of FCT Minister Wike, whose “foresight and commitment to institutional development have breathed life into this long-cherished expression of the judiciary.” Justice Barka noted the presence of Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, whose attendance “highlights the spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in the service of our great nation.”
Describing the initiative as more than mere construction, Justice Barka stressed its profound implications: “Adequate and befitting accommodation is indispensable to the efficiency, independence, and dignity of judicial officers. This project, therefore, presents more than the construction of physical structures. It is a lasting investment in the integrity, stability, and enduring strength of our justice system.” He further lauded it as a “tangible expression of the president’s vision” to strengthen the judiciary and uphold the rule of law, enhancing “operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity” for judges, thereby enabling them to perform without fear or favor and reducing risks of corruption.
In a call to action, the representative urged subnational governments to emulate the federal example by prioritizing tangible support for the judiciary, asserting that “a functional and well-equipped judiciary is not only a symbol of good governance but a guarantee of peace, stability, and investor confidence.” He also hailed the project as an “act of administrative prudence” and a “profound demonstration of respect for the judiciary as an arm of government and pillar of democracy.”
Justice Barka’s remarks aligned with the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” amplifying broader calls for systemic reforms to bolster judicial welfare and public trust. In closing, he extended “heartfelt congratulations to everyone whose dedication made this possible,” praying that the initiative “may mark the beginning of greater infrastructural transformation for the Nigerian judiciary and may further strengthen the rule of law in our beloved nation.” The address concluded with a blessing: “Thank you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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