The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented apartment
Wike stated this on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT. He said the initiative reflects the President’s commitment to improving the welfare and dignity of judicial officers.
“Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike said, adding that the project excludes judges from the Federal High Court and National Industrial Court.
The minister explained that the ongoing effort aligns with earlier projects, including the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi launched in September 2025, and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, which began in November 2024.
He stressed that the initiative does not interfere with judicial independence, as the Federal Capital Development Authority is responsible for building public infrastructure in the territory.
Wike added that the new houses for the heads of courts—such as the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, the President of the Court of Appeal, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court—will become their personal property upon retirement, following presidential approval.
“What we are doing today is not temporary. Once they retire, the properties become theirs, and that is the President’s directive,” he said.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the initiative, saying it will promote judicial independence and reduce corruption by guaranteeing housing for judicial officers.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation enhances institutional dignity and allows judicial officers to serve with focus and integrity,” Fagbemi stated.
