By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors across the country to take greater responsibility for funding judicial infrastructure and improving the welfare of judicial officers.
He says strengthening the judiciary should not be left solely to the Federal Government.
The President made the appeal on Tuesday during the commissioning of the 10th Court of Appeal Justices’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said state governments have a constitutional and moral obligation to provide adequate infrastructure and support for courts operating within their jurisdictions.
According to him, a functional judiciary remains essential to democratic governance, the rule of law, and sustainable national development.
“The responsibility of supporting the judiciary does not rest solely with the Federal Government. State governments must also ensure that their judicial institutions are properly funded, adequately equipped, and provided with the infrastructure necessary for efficient service delivery,” he said.
The President described investments in judicial infrastructure as a strategic contribution to national stability and economic growth, noting that a well-supported justice system enhances public confidence and attracts investment.
He said the newly commissioned housing estate, which consists of 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes for Court of Appeal justices, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary.
The estate also features recreational facilities, a community centre, and supporting amenities designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
Tinubu noted that the growing concentration of judicial facilities in the area could eventually justify naming the district “Judiciary Boulevard.”
Speaking at the event, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, echoed the President’s position and urged governors to emulate efforts being made in the FCT to improve judicial infrastructure.
Wike argued that federal courts located in various states largely serve the residents of those states and therefore deserve support from state governments.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Rivers State, he recalled initiating the construction of court facilities and accommodation for judges to improve access to justice and reduce the burden on litigants.
The minister also rejected suggestions that providing infrastructure for the judiciary compromises its independence, insisting that improved welfare and working conditions strengthen rather than weaken judicial autonomy.
“Taking care of judicial officers and providing them with decent infrastructure is not interference. It is a necessary investment that supports the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary,” he said.
The event was attended by the President of the Court of Appeal, senior judicial officers, members of the Body of Benchers, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
The FCT Administration disclosed that the housing project is separate from regular budgetary allocations to the judiciary and forms part of broader efforts to modernise judicial infrastructure within the capital territory.
Authorities also revealed plans for additional residential projects for judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, Code of Conduct Tribunal, and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory
