FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has said no judge in the territory will live in rented accommodation by the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
He made the remark while launching new official residences for top judicial officers, adding that the houses will become their property after retirement.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office, no judge serving in the FCT will live in rented accommodation.
Wike made the statement on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of new residences for heads of courts in the FCT. He said the initiative demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
“Before the end of the President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be staying in a rented apartment,” Wike said.
He explained that the project covers the construction of official residences for top judicial officers, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of both the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court.
According to the minister, the houses will become the personal property of the heads of courts upon retirement, following the approval of President Tinubu. He added that the legal documents for ownership have already been issued in their names.
“What we are doing today is not temporary accommodation. Once these heads of court retire, the houses will belong to them. That is the policy of the President,” Wike said.
He emphasized that the Federal Capital Development Authority is responsible for constructing public buildings in the FCT, and that providing infrastructure for the judiciary does not amount to interference by the executive arm of government.
The initiative follows the flag-off of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District in November 2024 and the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi, launched in September 2025.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the provision of accommodation for judicial officers will strengthen the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
He noted that decent housing would enhance their focus, security, and dignity, while also helping to reduce corruption in the judicial system.
“When accommodation is already guaranteed, there will be no need for any form of compromise,” Fagbemi said.
The Attorney General commended President Tinubu and Wike for prioritizing institutional development and judicial welfare in the Federal Capital Territory.
