The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially launched the construction of residential homes designated for the leaders of Nigeria’s highest courts. In a groundbreaking announcement, he confirmed that these residences will be transferred to the judges as personal property upon their retirement.
This initiative aims to provide housing for the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT, and the President of the National Industrial Court. Senior members of the judiciary have praised the project as a historic step toward safeguarding judicial independence and improving the welfare of judicial officers.
Speaking at the Abuja ceremony on Monday, Wike disclosed that the project was initiated under the direct instruction of President Bola Tinubu.
“President Tinubu emphasized the need to enhance the welfare and efficiency of our judicial officers. I told him, ‘We cannot continue to have judges living in rented accommodations,'” Wike stated.
He underscored the challenges judges face, including security concerns and discomfort, sharing a vivid example.
“Imagine a presiding justice assigned to Abuja who had to stay with his brother for two years. How conducive would that environment be for performing judicial duties?” he questioned.
Wike also clarified the ownership status of the residences, revealing that Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) have already been issued in the names of the current court heads.
“To be clear, these properties will belong to the judges once they retire. This is President Tinubu’s directive. So, those present should know that these homes will not be reclaimed after their tenure,” he affirmed.
Known for his commitment to timely project completion, the minister resolved a dispute between the contractor and the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), setting a firm deadline of 12 months for the project’s completion.
“No variations or delays will be tolerated. This is a priority project that must be delivered on schedule. We have mobilized resources and secured funding,” Wike warned the contractor.
Expanding on the government’s housing strategy, Wike announced plans to construct 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, alongside 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court.
He pledged that by the end of President Tinubu’s first term, no judge serving in the FCT High Court would be residing in rented accommodation.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded the project as “remarkable” and a clear reflection of the President’s dedication to the judiciary.
“I cannot recall any recent administration that has invested so significantly in judicial infrastructure and welfare,” Fagbemi remarked.
He added that improving judges’ living conditions would help curb corruption, rhetorically asking, “If their housing needs are met, what incentive remains for corrupt practices?”
Hon. Justice Husseni Baba Yusuf, Chief Judge of the FCT, praised Wike’s exceptional leadership and his deep understanding of the judiciary’s needs, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the infrastructural development.
Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court, reflected on Wike’s past support during his tenure as Rivers State governor, emphasizing that this project transcends mere promises.
“This is a tangible demonstration of support for the judiciary, which strengthens public confidence in our justice system,” he noted.
Earlier, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, described the housing project as a unified effort to reinforce the foundations of justice.
She praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and commended Wike for his energetic and practical approach to transforming Abuja’s infrastructure.
