By John Umeh
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the close of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office, judges of the FCT High Court will no longer face the indignity of living in rented apartments.
Wike gave the assurance on Monday, October 13, during the flag-off of a housing project for the heads of courts in Abuja. He explained that the initiative underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and safety 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 house,” the minister declared. “This promise is specific to the FCT High Court, not the Federal High Court or National Industrial Court.”
The minister noted that the housing project has already been captured in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, both of which received approval from the National Assembly and presidential assent.
According to him, the president had emphasized from the onset that judicial welfare must be treated as a priority. “Mr. President told us that improving the condition of judicial officers is a major concern. I told him the difference his administration can make is to ensure judges stop living in rented accommodation,” Wike said.
He highlighted the dangers of judges residing in rental properties, given the sensitive and high-profile cases they often handle. “Sometimes, you don’t know who your landlord is, or who your neighbours are. These judges preside over matters that affect lives and national stability, and such exposure is a risk,” he warned.
In a major incentive, Wike further revealed that the new residences will become the personal property of the judges once they retire. “As they leave office, those houses will belong to them. That is the approval of Mr. President. Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in their names,” he disclosed.
The initiative has been welcomed as a significant step toward strengthening judicial independence and ensuring that judges are adequately protected and motivated to carry out their duties.
