The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced fresh plans by the federal government to boost accommodation and infrastructure for judicial officers, saying President Bola Tinubu remains committed to strengthening the nation’s justice system.
Speaking at the special court session marking the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday, Wike said new budget allocations have been made for additional residential buildings for FCT High Court judges, aimed at addressing persistent housing gaps within the judiciary.
According to a statement from his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister noted that the Tinubu administration has already delivered key interventions, including the formal handover of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s permanent site and the commencement of full perimeter fencing around the apex court’s complex to prevent encroachment and enhance security.
Wike described the move as “a long-overdue step” that restores confidence in the judiciary and demonstrates the President’s commitment to safeguarding the independence and operational stability of the courts.
He highlighted several ongoing projects supported by the FCTA: new residences for Heads of Courts in the FCT, the construction of a modern Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi, new staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, and the design and construction of expanded court facilities for the Court of Appeal, National Industrial Court, and Federal High Court.
“These projects are targeted at ensuring judicial officers work and live in environments that reflect the importance of their duties,” he said.
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Wike emphasized that comfortable and secure housing would enable judges to focus fully on delivering justice without distractions, adding that the FCT Administration will intensify efforts to complete all ongoing projects in the new legal year.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms, with a renewed focus on digitizing court processes, improving registry operations, and reducing delays in case handling.
“Justice is the backbone of our democracy,” the minister said. “As we begin this new legal year, all stakeholders must work together to uphold its integrity and ensure our courts remain efficient, independent, and trustworthy.”