The Federal Government has approved a housing policy under which judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will be provided official residences to be retained as personal property upon retirement.
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed this on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT.
Wike said the era of judges living in rented quarters “will come to an end.”
He added that President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring no FCT judge will live in rented accommodation by the end of his first tenure.
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“Before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike said. He clarified that this applies specifically to judges of the FCT High Court.
Wike also noted that providing houses for the heads of courts follows the recent commencement of new Magistrate courts in Jabi, set for completion in September 2025, and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, started in November 2024.
The minister emphasised that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to executive interference, explaining that the Federal Capital Development Authority handles public building construction in the FCT.
He stated 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 ownership of their houses.
“This policy ensures that these judges will leave office owning their residences. This is the approval of Mr. President, and the Seal of Oaths has been issued in their names,” Wike said.
Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, said providing accommodation for heads of court will enhance the judiciary’s dignity and support judicial independence.
“Secure accommodation will improve operational independence and personal security, allowing judges to focus on their duties. This will reduce corruption, as the need for housing expenses is removed,” Fagbemi said.
He thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for prioritising institutional strengthening, judicial independence, and infrastructure investment.
The project includes constructing 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court, and 20 for the FCT High Court. Wike assured the project would be completed within 12 months and urged the contractor to meet the deadline.
He commended President Tinubu for supporting judicial welfare and noted that the project is included in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets approved by the National Assembly.
Wike also announced plans to digitalise the FCT Court and said the project would be closely monitored to prevent delays or changes. The contractor is aware of the soil conditions and agreed to the contract terms.
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Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, described the project as a sign of respect and institutional pride. She emphasised its importance in supporting the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law.
Mahmoud also praised President Tinubu’s leadership in infrastructure development and commended Minister Wike’s efforts to transform Abuja’s infrastructure.
Representatives of the heads of courts thanked the government, noting that the project would boost morale and performance among judicial officers.
