The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation.
Wike made this known on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the Heads of Courts in the FCT, reiterating the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and independence of the judiciary.
“Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT High Court will be staying in a rented quarter,” Wike stated.
“This excludes Federal High Court and National Industrial Court judges, as the focus here is on FCT High Court judges.”
New Residences Signal End of Rented Quarters for Judges
The initiative is part of a broader infrastructure development drive in the FCT, which includes the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi (flagged off in September 2025), and the ongoing construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, which began in November 2024.
Wike emphasized that the project does not imply executive interference in judicial affairs, explaining that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is responsible for constructing public infrastructure across the territory, including for the judiciary.
Judges to Retire With Their Official Residences
A major highlight of the housing policy is the decision that FCT Heads of Courts will retain the homes upon retirement, with official documentation — including the Seal of Oaths — issued in their names.
“This is not a temporary benefit,” Wike clarified.
“As they retire, the properties become their own. This is the approval of Mr President. It’s a deliberate policy to respect and support the judiciary.”
He urged the public not to misinterpret the gesture as post-retirement misuse of government assets, but rather as a presidential directive to uphold judicial dignity.
Attorney General: Housing Will Strengthen Judicial Independence
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised the initiative, saying that providing secure and dignified accommodation for senior judicial officers will enhance both the institutional independence and personal integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary.
“Secure accommodation will reduce distractions, enhance authority, and reinforce judicial focus,” Fagbemi said.
“Corruption, too, will be less likely. If judges already have guaranteed housing, the incentive for compromise is drastically reduced.”
He added that the Tinubu administration’s support for the judiciary reflects a clear prioritization of institutional reform, independence of the courts, and infrastructure investment.
