- Wike said the new residences for top judges in Abuja will improve judicial welfare and strengthen the independence of the judiciary.
- The multi-billion-naira project for the judiciary in Abuja is expected to be completed within 12 months.
- Certificates of Occupancy for the judges’ residences have been issued in their names to ensure permanent ownership.
- The housing project is part of President Tinubu’s reforms aimed at boosting judicial infrastructure and performance.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday officially flagged off the construction of permanent residences for the heads of four major courts in Nigeria.
The beneficiaries include the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.
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The ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by senior government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and several top judicial officers.
According to Wike, the project represents a commitment to judicial independence, better working conditions, and respect for the rule of law. He confirmed that Certificates of Occupancy for the residences had already been issued in the names of the judges, ensuring permanent ownership, a move described as historic and unprecedented.
Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, hailed the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening the judiciary. He said the project reflects the government’s recognition of judicial welfare as an essential part of effective justice delivery.
Justice Yusuf added, “A supportive environment for judges is key to an effective rule of law. This project goes beyond building, it strengthens the moral and professional base of the judiciary.”
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, praised Wike’s leadership and dedication, saying the FCT Minister had shown genuine commitment to institutional development. “He delivers what he promises. This project shows his vision for a dignified and secure judiciary,” he said.
Fagbemi also noted that dignified accommodation and better welfare would reduce distractions and the temptation of corruption within the judiciary, allowing judges to focus on fair and speedy justice delivery.
President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, described the project as a practical show of government’s support for judicial reform. He recalled how Wike, during his tenure as Rivers State Governor, built court complexes and quarters for judges, which improved efficiency and integrity in the state’s judiciary.
He further stated that the Supreme Court ruling in AG Abia State & Ors v. AG Federation (Executive Order 10 case) recognized housing as part of judicial emoluments, making such projects critical to judicial independence.
Both Justice Yusuf and Fagbemi commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its remarkable support for the judiciary, including the recent 300% salary increment for judicial officers and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.
Wike, in his remarks, reaffirmed that the project will be completed within 12 months, promising that it will be a lasting legacy. “This is not just another project, it’s a statement of respect for justice and integrity,” he said.
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He also encouraged state governors to follow the Federal Government’s example by investing in the welfare of their judicial officers, noting that true judicial independence begins with proper infrastructure and welfare support.
The event was widely praised as a historic moment for the Nigerian judiciary and a turning point in the quest for stronger judicial institutions in the country.
