The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that by 2027, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will reside in rented accommodation.
Speaking at the official launch of the design and construction of residences for Heads of Courts in Abuja, Wike affirmed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, judges should be provided with permanent homes.
“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike declared.
“I didn’t say Federal High Court or Industrial Court, but specifically the FCT High Court.”
Wike noted that the project is anchored in the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets, duly approved by the National Assembly and signed by the President.
He emphasized that the commitment to improve judges’ welfare comes directly from presidential policy.
He warned against the risks associated with judges living in rented homes:
“Sometimes, you don’t even know the landlord or the neighbours. These judges preside over sensitive matters, and we cannot anticipate what might happen,” he said.
Under the scheme, once judges retire, the houses will become their personal property, a gesture with presidential approval, Wike added.
Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in the names of intended beneficiaries.
The housing initiative will cover multiple senior judicial positions, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the FCT and Federal High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court.
Wike clarified that constructing judicial residences does not amount to interference in the judiciary’s functions, citing the role of the Federal Capital Development Authority in building public infrastructure in the FCT.
Supporting the initiative, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as a forward step toward strengthening judicial independence.
He also suggested that having secure, dignified housing will help reduce temptations or perceptions of corruption.
“Accommodation should no longer be a ground for suspicion. Their housing is guaranteed,” he said.
