The Federal Capital Territory minister , Nyesom Wike, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is doing everything within his power to ensure that no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented apartment by the end of his first tenure.
Wike stated this during the flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT, on Monday.
He added that the era where judges stayed in rented quarters will come to an end.
He stated; “Let me also say what Mr President has done for the FCT. Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter.
“I said before the first tenure ends, no judge of the FCT High Court; I didn’t say Federal High Court, I didn’t say National Industrial Court, but of the FCT High Court, will be staying in a rented quarter.”
The provision of houses to the heads of courts follows the flag-off of the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi in September 2025, and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District that were flagged off earlier in November 2024.
Speaking during the flag off on Monday, Wike clarified that the heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court, will retire with the houses constructed for them.
He noted that the president had approved the development.
He added; “Let me make it clear. What we are doing today is not just for the heads of courts, and when they retire, they go, no. As they retire, the properties become their own. And that is the approval of Mr President. And that is why we issued the seal of oaths in their names.
“So, all of you who are here now, don’t think that when they are leaving tomorrow, you will see in the pages of the newspaper, the Retired Chief Justice of the FCT has taken our house… Please, the policy of Mr President is that these heads of court, as they are retiring, must go home with their houses. And that is the true position.”
In his address, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said;
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of cost will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority.
“The issue of corruption will be reduced to the barest minimum because even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what are they going to use the money for? For accommodation? It’s already guaranteed.”
He thanked the and the FCT Minister for clear prioritisation of institutional strengthening, judicial independence and infrastructural investment.
