The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation.
Wike made the pledge on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in the FCT.
He said the initiative was part of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers in the territory.
“Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike stated. “I didn’t say Federal High Court or National Industrial Court, but judges of the FCT High Court. That era is coming to an end.”
The project is part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to enhance the judiciary’s infrastructure.
It follows the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi in September 2025 and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, which were inaugurated in November 2024.
Wike clarified that providing accommodation for judges does not amount to interference in judicial affairs, emphasizing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has the statutory responsibility to build public structures in the FCT.
He also revealed that the newly built houses for the heads of courts — including the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court — would become their personal property upon retirement.
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“As they retire, the properties become their own. That is the approval of Mr President,” Wike said. “So, when they retire, no one should expect to see reports claiming they have taken government houses. The policy is clear — they will go home with their houses.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended the initiative, saying it would strengthen judicial independence and promote integrity within the system.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity,” Fagbemi said. “Even the issue of corruption will be reduced because judges will no longer have to worry about accommodation.”
He further lauded President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their focus on institutional strengthening, judicial independence, and infrastructural investment in the nation’s capital.