FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office, no judge under the FCT judiciary will be living in rented accommodation.
Wike gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the groundbreaking ceremony for new residential buildings dedicated to judicial officers. The project covers housing for the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.
He said the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and independence of the judiciary.
“We can’t afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses,” Wike said.
“Sometimes you don’t know the landlords of these houses; sometimes you don’t know their neighbours. These judges preside over criminal matters or other serious matters indeed and of course, you never can tell what will happen.”
He stressed the importance of ensuring judicial officers are adequately accommodated to enhance their independence and sense of security.
“Our judges, our judicial officers, you deserve the best, and I thank God that Mr. President has made it a policy to see that during his tenure, the narrative is changed and we’re happy,” he added.
According to the minister, 40 housing units are already under construction, comprising 10 for Court of Appeal Justices, 10 for Federal High Court Judges, and 20 for FCT High Court Judges. These are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
He assured the heads of the courts that each house would be handed over with its Certificate of Ownership, and will become the private property of the beneficiaries upon retirement.
Wike also told the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Benedict Kanyip, that judges of the industrial court would be included in the next phase of the project.
Also speaking at the event, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the project represents a shared commitment to strengthening the justice system.
“This project is about honour, dignity, and institutional pride, providing befitting residences for our esteemed heads of courts whose wisdom and integrity uphold the rule of law in the country,” she stated.
In his remarks, Justice Kanyip expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the housing plan, describing it as a critical step in securing the judiciary’s independence.
“Like other public servants, judicial officers perform better when their personal security and mental well-being are assured,” he said.
“This housing initiative expectedly will address these concerns and enable the occupants to fully dedicate themselves to their judicial responsibilities.”
Kanyip further noted that housing provisions for judicial officers are part of their entitlements as outlined in the 1999 Constitution, and welcomed the project as a “practical demonstration of support for the judiciary.”
The Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Husseni Yusuf, also commended both President Tinubu and Wike for placing judicial welfare at the centre of national development.
“The prioritisation of purpose-built residences for heads of courts underscores a deep appreciation for the conditions under which justice is conceived, deliberated, and delivered,” he said.
“The initiative is therefore not merely architectural; it is a strategic affirmation of the welfare, security, and independence of judicial officers, elements essential to a credible and efficient judiciary.”
NAN
