Wike Pledges End to Rented Accommodation for FCT Judges by 2027

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory has vowed that no judge serving in the High Court of the capital will be residing in rented accommodation by the conclusion of the current presidential term in 2027. Nyesom Wike made this pledge whilst inaugurating the construction of official residences for heads of the nation’s superior courts on Monday.

The housing initiative, which will provide residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, and the President of the National Industrial Court, comes with an unprecedented provision allowing the properties to become personal possessions of the judicial officers upon retirement from service.

Mr Wike revealed during the ceremony in Abuja that the initiative stems from a direct instruction by President Bola Tinubu, who has identified improving judicial welfare as a priority. The minister recounted his discussions with the president regarding the unacceptable situation of judges residing in rented properties.

The minister emphasised the security risks and discomfort faced by judicial officers under current arrangements. He cited a particularly troubling example of a presiding justice who was posted to Abuja and was compelled to lodge with his own brother for two years, questioning how such living conditions could be conducive to effective judicial work.

To eliminate any uncertainty about property ownership, Mr Wike announced that Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued bearing the names of the serving heads of court. He stated clearly that upon retirement, the buildings will belong to the occupants, clarifying that this arrangement has received presidential approval.

The minister, known for his emphasis on project completion, publicly addressed a discrepancy between the contractor and the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority during the ceremony, securing a firm 12-month deadline for completion. He cautioned the contractor against introducing variations that might delay the project, noting that mobilisation funds have been provided and payment will be forthcoming.

Beyond the residences for heads of court, Mr Wike outlined a broader housing programme that includes construction of 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 20 for the Federal Capital Territory High Court. He expressed his determination that before the end of the current presidential term, every judge in the capital’s High Court will have ceased living in rented accommodation.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, described the project as remarkable and a demonstration of the president’s commitment to the judiciary. The senior counsel stated that he could not readily recall any recent administration extending such substantial infrastructural support to the judicial branch.

Mr Fagbemi suggested that such welfare improvements would contribute to reducing corruption within the judiciary, reasoning that with accommodation already guaranteed, judicial officers would have less need for illicit income. He characterised the initiative as addressing one of the fundamental needs that might otherwise make judges vulnerable to compromise.

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseni Baba Yusuf, commended the minister’s unprecedented infrastructural development efforts, stating that Mr Wike has demonstrated both capability and understanding of his responsibilities. He described the housing project as a significant step towards ensuring judicial independence and dignity.

Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court, recalled similar support provided by Mr Wike during his tenure as governor of Rivers State. He emphasised that the current initiative goes beyond mere rhetoric and represents a practical demonstration of support for the judiciary that will reinforce public trust in the justice system.

The project addresses longstanding concerns about judicial welfare in Nigeria, where many judges across the country continue to reside in rented accommodation despite their crucial role in the administration of justice. This situation has been widely acknowledged as problematic, potentially compromising judicial independence and exposing judicial officers to security risks.

The minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, characterised the project as a collective commitment to strengthening the pillars of justice. She commended the president for his visionary leadership and praised Mr Wike for his energetic approach and practical dedication to transforming the capital’s infrastructure.

The initiative represents a significant departure from previous practice, where judicial officers typically occupied government properties during their tenure but were required to vacate upon retirement. The new policy of transferring ownership to the occupants upon retirement aims to provide long-term security and dignity to retired judicial officers.

The construction project forms part of a wider infrastructure development programme being implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Mr Wike has consistently emphasised rapid project delivery since assuming his ministerial role, establishing firm deadlines and holding contractors accountable for completion timelines.

Senior judicial figures present at the ceremony expressed optimism that the housing initiative would serve as a model for other states and contribute to enhancing judicial independence nationwide. They noted that adequate welfare provisions are essential for attracting and retaining qualified individuals in the judiciary and for ensuring that judges can perform their duties without external pressures.

The 12-month construction timeline means that the residences for the heads of superior courts should be completed well before the 2027 target date for ending rented accommodation amongst Federal Capital Territory High Court judges. The staggered delivery of the various housing units will enable gradual resolution of the accommodation challenges faced by judicial officers in the capital.

The announcement has been welcomed by members of the legal community, who have long advocated for improved conditions for judicial officers. Many view the initiative as recognition of the importance of an independent and well-supported judiciary in maintaining the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.