No FCT Judge Will Live in a Rented Apartment by 2027 – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first tenure in 2027, no judge serving in the FCT High Court will be living in rented accommodation.

Wike made this declaration on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in the FCT. He emphasized that the era of judges residing in rented apartments would soon be over.

“Before the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented apartment,” Wike stated. “I didn’t say Federal High Court or National Industrial Court, but the FCT High Court.”

The minister noted that this initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to provide better infrastructure for the judiciary, citing the recent commencement of new magistrate court buildings in Jabi (September 2025) and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, which began in November 2024.

Wike dismissed claims that such projects amount to executive interference in judicial affairs, stressing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has the constitutional responsibility to provide public infrastructure in the FCT.

He also disclosed that, with President Tinubu’s approval, the newly built residences for the heads of courts would become their personal property upon retirement.

“What we’re doing today is not just to house them while in service. Once they retire, these houses become theirs. That’s the President’s directive, and the seal of oaths has been issued in their names,” he clarified.

“So, there should be no confusion later — these homes belong to the heads of court upon retirement.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised the initiative, describing it as a step toward enhancing judicial independence, dignity, and efficiency.

“Providing secure and befitting accommodation for heads of courts will strengthen institutional independence, ensure personal security, and promote focus and integrity in the judiciary,” Fagbemi said.

“When accommodation is guaranteed, the temptation of corruption will naturally decline.”

He commended President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their “clear commitment to institutional reform, judicial independence, and infrastructure development” within the FCT.