Kehinde Fajobi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for better welfare provisions, particularly housing, for judges to shield them from external manipulation and interference.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja, on Monday, Wike emphasised that housing security after retirement plays a vital role in strengthening judicial independence.
“If you want to insulate the judiciary from manipulation and interference, it is important to review their conditions of service. One of the key aspects is housing,” Wike said.
He stressed that the guarantee of post-retirement housing would enable judges to deliver impartial judgments without fear of repercussions.
Wike explained, “When a judge knows that their house is secured after retirement, it will be difficult for anyone to manipulate them. What are they afraid of? Their housing is guaranteed, and they can retire with peace of mind.”
He noted that 70% of the funding for the project had already been released after the Federal Executive Council’s approval last month. Of the 40 housing units to be built, 20 will go to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.
Wike stressed that this initiative was part of the government’s commitment to supporting the judiciary beyond verbal promises.
“It’s not enough to say we support the independence of the judiciary. We must show it in action,” he added.
The event was attended by prominent judicial figures, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who both praised the project for addressing a key need of judicial officers.