The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled a major housing intervention for the judiciary in Abuja, pledging to end the era of judges living in rented apartments and to fully digitise the operations of the FCT High Courts.
Speaking on Monday at the flag-off of official residences for Heads of Courts in the FCT, Wike described the initiative as one of the most significant projects under the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda.
“We cannot afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses, sometimes squatting with relatives,” the minister said. “By the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented quarters.”
Under the new plan, the FCT Administration will deliver 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, and 20 for the FCT High Court.
Wike emphasized that the houses would remain the personal property of the beneficiaries upon retirement, describing the decision as a clear policy directive from President Bola Tinubu.
“This is a policy of Mr President. When judges retire, they must go home with their houses. Nobody will reclaim them. That is the true position,” he said.
He also announced that the digitization of the FCT High Court has been captured in the 2025 budget, with immediate implementation expected.
“I have directed that the digitization project commences without delay. Our judges deserve the best working environment to serve justice effectively,” Wike said, commending the Attorney General of the Federation for supporting the initiative.
The minister cautioned contractors against project delays or cost variations, insisting that the housing units must be completed within 12 months and handed over to the judiciary.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the project underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening justice delivery and restoring dignity to judicial officers.
“This is about honour, dignity, and institutional pride — providing befitting residences for our Heads of Courts whose wisdom upholds the rule of law,” Mahmoud said, praising President Tinubu’s vision and Wike’s leadership.
