The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will still be living in rented accommodation.
Wike made the statement on Monday, October 13, during the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in Abuja. He said the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike said. “I didn’t say Federal High Court, I didn’t say National Industrial Court — but judges of the FCT High Court.”
He explained that the housing project is included in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, which have been approved by the National Assembly and signed by President Tinubu.
According to Wike, the president had made it clear from the outset that supporting the judiciary was a key priority of his administration. “Mr President told us that enhancing the welfare of judicial officers has been a major concern,” he said. “I told him the difference his government must make is to end the practice of judges living in rented houses.”
The minister stressed that judges face potential risks when residing in rented properties, given the sensitive and high-profile nature of many of their cases. “Sometimes you don’t even know your landlord or neighbours. These judges preside over serious matters, and you can never tell what might happen,” he warned.
Wike further revealed that the newly constructed residences will become personal property of the judges upon retirement. “As they retire, the properties become their own. That is the approval of Mr President,” he confirmed, adding that Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in the names of the beneficiaries.