The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured judges of the FCT High Court that none of them will be living in rented accommodation by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office.
Wike made the declaration on Monday, October 13, during the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for Heads of Courts in Abuja. He said the initiative underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike said. “I didn’t say Federal High Court, I didn’t say National Industrial Court — but judges of the FCT High Court.”
The minister explained that the housing project has been captured in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, both approved by the National Assembly and signed by President Tinubu.
According to Wike, the president made it clear from the onset that supporting the judiciary remains a major concern for his administration.
“Mr President told us that enhancing the welfare of judicial officers has been a major concern,” he said. “I told him the difference his government must make is to end the practice of judges living in rented houses.”
Highlighting the risks faced by judges who reside in rented apartments, Wike noted that their work often involves sensitive and high-profile cases, making secure accommodation essential.
“Sometimes you don’t even know your landlord or neighbours. These judges preside over serious matters, and you can never tell what might happen,” he cautioned.
The FCT Minister further revealed that the newly constructed residences will become personal property of the judges upon their retirement.
“As they retire, the properties become their own. That is the approval of Mr President,” Wike confirmed, adding that Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) have already been issued in the names of the beneficiaries.
The housing initiative, he emphasized, forms part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring judicial independence and enhancing the dignity of the judiciary within the Federal Capital Territory.