The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has assured that by 2027, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will be residing in rented accommodation.
Wike made the declaration on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in Abuja.
The minister described the project as one of the most significant steps in President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhance the welfare and independence of the judiciary. According to him, it is unacceptable for judges who serve the nation to live in rented apartments or depend on relatives for shelter. “We cannot continue to see judges living in rented houses. By the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, no FCT High Court judge will live in a rented apartment,” he said.
Wike explained that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had approved the construction of 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, and 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court. He further stated that the new policy allows judges to retain the houses after retirement as a reward for their years of service. “This is a directive from the President. When judges retire, they will go home with their houses. Nobody will reclaim them,” he affirmed.
He also revealed that the FCT High Court would soon undergo full digital transformation to improve efficiency in the justice system, noting that provisions for the digital upgrade have been included in the 2025 budget.
Wike cautioned contractors handling the housing projects against unnecessary delays and warned that the administration would not tolerate cost variations or extensions beyond the agreed timeframe. He emphasized that the residences must be completed within 12 months.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, also described the initiative as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of judicial officers and strengthening justice delivery in the capital city.