FCT judges housing received another major boost after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced plans to build 20 additional homes for judges in Abuja. The announcement came during the inauguration of newly completed residential quarters for judges of the FCT High Court in Katampe. Wike also confirmed that the new houses would be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, subject to approval from President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
The housing project forms part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary and improve working conditions for judicial officers. It also featured among projects commissioned to commemorate President Tinubu’s third year in office.
Wike Explains Owner-Occupier Housing Plan
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Wike said the allocation process would follow an owner-occupier model. However, he explained that the arrangement requires presidential approval because he now serves under the Federal Government.
The minister recalled adopting a similar approach during his tenure as governor. Nevertheless, he stressed that due process must guide the current allocation.
According to him, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi supports the proposal. Therefore, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu would approve the request.
Wike also shared a light moment from the event. He revealed that one of the judges from his home state jokingly remarked that many judges were already eager to move into their new homes immediately after the ceremony.
Despite the excitement, Wike maintained that the houses would only be allocated after all required approvals are secured.
More Court Facilities Coming Before Year-End
Beyond residential accommodation, Wike announced fresh investments in judicial infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration plans to hand over new court facilities to the Chief Judge of the FCT before the end of the year.
The projects include modern structures for the Judges Court and Magistrate Courts. According to the minister, these facilities will enable judicial officers to perform their responsibilities more efficiently.
He emphasized that the administration remains committed to creating an environment that supports faster and more effective justice delivery.
Wike said improving infrastructure remains a key priority because efficient courts depend on adequate working facilities as well as suitable accommodation for judges.
Additional 20 Houses Planned for Judges
The minister also announced plans to expand the FCT judges housing programme by constructing another 20 residential units before the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
He explained that the current number of judges exceeds the available accommodation. As a result, more housing has become necessary.
According to Wike, the additional homes will help address the growing demand among judicial officers serving in the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed optimism that construction would progress steadily over the coming years. He also said the administration intends to complete significant work on the new housing project before the current presidential tenure ends.
The proposed expansion reflects the government’s broader commitment to improving welfare within the judiciary.
Judicial Welfare Remains a Priority
The newly commissioned estate consists of 20 residential units built specifically for judges of the FCT High Court.
The project formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office. It also highlights the administration’s continued focus on strengthening public institutions through improved infrastructure.
Recent developments have placed judicial welfare high on the government’s agenda. Earlier reports indicated that the FCT Administration aims to solve about 80 percent of judges’ housing challenges before 2027. The administration has also committed funding for the construction of the Abuja Court of Appeal complex.
Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to consider broader judicial reforms. The House of Representatives recently advanced legislation seeking to increase the number of FCT High Court judges from 75 to 100.
These initiatives reflect growing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s judicial system by providing better facilities, expanding court capacity, and improving working conditions for judges.
The latest FCT judges housing initiative marks another step in the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s drive to improve judicial infrastructure. Wike’s announcement of 20 additional homes signals a long-term commitment to addressing accommodation needs for judges.
Alongside new court buildings and ongoing judicial reforms, the housing expansion could enhance the efficiency of the justice system in Abuja. If approved by President Bola Tinubu, the owner-occupier allocation model will also provide judges with permanent residences while supporting the administration’s broader infrastructure goals.
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