The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured that before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented apartment
Wike made the remark on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in the FCT. He stressed that the initiative would mark the end of judges residing in rented quarters.
“Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter. I said FCT High Court judges, not Federal High Court or National Industrial Court,” Wike stated.
The project follows the September 2025 flag-off of new magistrate courts in Jabi and the November 2024 commencement of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District.
According to Wike, the construction of the houses is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving judicial welfare and infrastructure in the FCT. He clarified that the heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court, will retire with ownership of the houses built for them.
“What we are doing today is not just to provide accommodation; as they retire, the properties become theirs. That is the approval of Mr President, and that is why the seal of oaths has been issued in their names,” he explained.
Wike emphasized that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference, noting that it is within the mandate of the Federal Capital Development Authority to handle public projects in the territory.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the initiative, describing it as a move that would strengthen judicial independence and integrity.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of court will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with focus and authority,” Fagbemi said.
He added that the project would help curb corruption within the judiciary, noting that “even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what are they going to use the money for when accommodation is already guaranteed?”
Fagbemi also praised President Tinubu and Wike for prioritizing the welfare and autonomy of the judiciary through infrastructural investment and institutional support.
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