No FCT judge will live in rented apartment by 2027, Wike vows

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that by the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office, no judge serving in Abuja will still be living in rented accommodation, promising a complete overhaul of the judiciary’s housing and work environment.

Speaking on Monday at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of official residences for Heads of Courts in the FCT, Wike described the project as one of the most significant interventions under the administration’s infrastructure renewal drive.

“We cannot afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses, sometimes squatting with relatives. By the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented quarters,” Wike declared.

The minister announced that 10 duplexes each will be built for the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, while 20 will be constructed for the FCT High Court. He also made clear that the houses will become the permanent property of the judges upon retirement — a new policy direction aimed at giving dignity and stability to members of the bench.

“This is a policy of Mr President. When judges retire, they must go home with their houses. Nobody will reclaim them. That is the true position,” Wike said.

Beyond housing, the minister unveiled plans to digitize the FCT High Court to modernize and streamline judicial processes. He revealed that funds for the digitization initiative have already been captured in the 2025 budget, with implementation to begin immediately.

“I have directed that the digitization project commences without delay. Our judges deserve the best working environment to serve justice effectively,” he stated, commending the Attorney General of the Federation for supporting the reforms.

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Wike also issued a stern warning to contractors handling the project, saying there would be no tolerance for delays or cost variations. “The residences must be completed within 12 months and handed over to the judiciary,” he said firmly.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the housing project as a symbolic commitment to strengthening the judiciary and enhancing the dignity of judicial officers.

“This is about honour, dignity and institutional pride; providing befitting residences for our Heads of Courts whose wisdom upholds the rule of law,” she said, applauding President Tinubu’s vision and Wike’s leadership in driving the initiative.

With the ambitious housing and digital reforms, Wike’s pledge marks one of the boldest attempts yet to address long-standing welfare concerns within Nigeria’s judiciary — a system often criticised for being overburdened, underfunded, and poorly equipped.

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