Wike Promises FCT High Court Judges Free Residential Houses

Serving and retiring judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court can now heave a sigh of relief, as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has promised to provide them with free residential houses in Abuja.

The Minister of the FCT, Dr. Nyesom Wike, made this promise in Abuja during the flag-off of construction of residential apartments for Heads of Courts of the FCT.

Wike stated that the days of judges residing in rented apartments would soon be over, assuring that before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first tenure, all FCT High Court judges would be allocated permanent houses.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to appreciate the invaluable services of judicial officers, reduce post-retirement accommodation challenges, and strengthen judicial independence and integrity.

“Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarters. 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” Wike said.

Wike further clarified that the project will not constitute executive interference in judicial affairs.

He emphasized that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is statutorily responsible for public infrastructure development in the FCT, adding that the project had full presidential approval.

“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. That is why we issued the seal of oaths in their names.”

“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,” Wike stated.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the project as a remarkable step toward strengthening the judiciary and promoting access to justice across Nigeria.

Fagbemi added that the new housing scheme would help ensure judicial officers perform their duties with focus and integrity.

“This is yet another in the series of admirable projects being executed by the Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory with the support of the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory.

“I wish to commend the leadership and selflessness, a selfless commitment of our dear President Bola Tinubu GCFR to judicial reform and to widening access to justice for all Nigerians.”

“When the courts are adequately provided for, justice is not delayed, citizens’ trust is strengthened, and the rule of law becomes the true foundation of our democracy.”

On her part, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a collective commitment to strengthening justice and governance in Nigeria’s capital.

“This project is about honour, dignity, and institutional pride, providing befitting residences for our esteemed Heads of Courts whose wisdom and integrity uphold the rule of law in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she affirmed.

The project is to be delivered in 12 months.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji