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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has said true judicial independence can only be achieved when judges are provided with secure and dignified working and living conditions.
Fagbemi made the remarks during the inauguration of new official residential quarters for High Court judges in Abuja, where he said the welfare of judicial officers is essential to the effective administration of justice.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, says judicial independence depends on providing judges with secure and dignified working conditions, describing new residential quarters as an investment in the administration of justice. pic.twitter.com/DfbszVZgdb
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) July 15, 2026
“We often speak of judicial independence in abstract terms, but independent thinking requires an independent and secure environment,” he said.
According to him, judges cannot be expected to dispense justice impartially if their welfare is neglected.
“We cannot expect judges to dispense justice without fear or favour if their basic comfort, security, and peace of mind are left to chance,” he said.
Fagbemi stressed that the provision of quality accommodation for judicial officers is a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary.
“True judicial independence is built on the dignity of our judicial officers,” he said.
He added that the new housing project would help create an environment where judges can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without unnecessary vulnerability.
“By providing these state-of-the-art residential quarters across multiple courts, we ensure that our judges and justices work from a place of security, comfort, and utmost dignity,” he said.
“This is a deliberate shield against vulnerability, a statement that Nigeria values those who interpret her laws.”
The Attorney General also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for overseeing the delivery of the project.
“At this juncture, I must pause to salute the tireless, dynamic, and unapologetically focused Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,” he said.
According to Fagbemi, transforming Abuja into a capital that reflects Nigeria’s aspirations requires consistent leadership and effective execution.
“Transforming Abuja into a capital that reflects our national ambition is a demanding task,” he said.
“Through steady execution and close attention to detail, the Honourable Minister and his team have turned plans into structures and served our judges, citizens, and the future of this city.”
Fagbemi also praised the relationship between the executive and the judiciary under the current administration, describing it as an example of effective cooperation.
“The collaboration between the executive and the judiciary under this administration remains a proud example of intergovernmental harmony for the collective good of our people,” he said.
