Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be residing in a rented apartment.
Wike gave the assurance on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT in Abuja.
“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter. I said before the first tenure ends — no judge of the FCT High Court; I didn’t say Federal High Court or National Industrial Court — will be staying in a rented quarter,” Wike said.
The minister explained that the project is part of the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, approved by the National Assembly and signed by President Tinubu.
He said the initiative aligns with the President’s directive to enhance the welfare and performance of judicial officers, noting that living in rented houses exposes judges to potential security risks.
“Sometimes, you don’t even know the landlord or the neighbours. These judges preside over serious matters, and you can never tell what might happen,” he warned.
Wike revealed that the new houses will become personal properties of the Heads of Courts upon retirement, adding that Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in their names.
According to him, the beneficiaries include the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court.
The project follows earlier initiatives such as the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District and new magistrate courts in Jabi.
Wike emphasised that the construction of judicial residences falls within the FCT Administration’s mandate and does not amount to executive interference.
“The Federal Capital Development Authority is responsible for constructing public buildings in the FCT. This is part of our mandate,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), hailed the project as a bold step toward judicial independence and institutional integrity.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation will enhance the operational independence and dignity of the judiciary,” Fagbemi said, adding that adequate housing would also help curb corruption.
“Even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what will they use the money for? Accommodation? It’s already guaranteed,” he noted.
Fagbemi commended President Tinubu and Wike for prioritising institutional strengthening and infrastructure development within the FCT’s justice sector.
