The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation.
Wike made the statement on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of official residences for heads of courts in the FCT, describing the initiative as an end to the era of rented quarters for judges.
“Before the first tenure ends, no judge of the FCT High Court will be staying in a rented quarter,” Wike said, clarifying that the directive applies specifically to FCT High Court judges, not judges of the Federal High Court or National Industrial Court.
The development follows previous infrastructure projects for the judiciary, including the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi in September 2025 and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, which began in November 2024.
Wike emphasized that providing housing for judicial officers does not constitute executive interference, noting that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) oversees the construction of public buildings in the FCT.
He added that the residences would belong to the judges even after retirement. “As they retire, the properties become their own. That is the approval of Mr President, and the Seal of Oaths has been issued in their names,” Wike said.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the provision of secure housing would enhance the judiciary’s operational independence and institutional dignity, enabling judges to perform their duties effectively.
Fagbemi also highlighted that guaranteed accommodation could reduce corruption risks within the judiciary, as judges would no longer need to use personal funds for housing.
He praised President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for prioritizing judicial independence, infrastructural investment, and institutional strengthening.
The project marks a continuation of the administration’s efforts to improve living and working conditions for judicial officers in the FCT.
