The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge in the FCT will be living in a rented apartment.
Wike made the declaration on Monday during the flag-off of new official residences for heads of courts in Abuja, stressing that the era of judges “begging landlords” is over.
“Let me also say what Mr President has done for the FCT. Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter. I said before the first tenure ends, no judge of the FCT High Court; I didn’t say Federal High Court, I didn’t say National Industrial Court, but of the FCT High Court, will be staying in a rented quarter,” he said.
The move comes after the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, projects Wike said are part of Tinubu’s vision to give the judiciary the dignity it deserves.
Wike clarified that the new housing policy allows heads of courts — including the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts — to keep their residences even after retirement.
“Let me make it clear. What we are doing today is not just for the heads of courts, and when they retire, they go, no. As they retire, the properties become their own. And that is the approval of Mr President. And that is why we issued the seal of oaths in their names,” the minister said.
He added that the development is a mark of respect for the judiciary and proof of Tinubu’s commitment to improving working and living conditions for judges.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, hailed the gesture, saying it would strengthen the judiciary’s independence and curb corruption.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of cost will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority. The issue of corruption will be reduced to the barest minimum because even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what are they going to use the money for? For accommodation? It’s already guaranteed,” he said.
Fagbemi thanked President Tinubu and Wike for “prioritising institutional strengthening, judicial independence, and infrastructural investment.”
