Wike promises more Housing for FCT Judges, says Tinubu determined to strengthen Judiciary

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has renewed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and working environment of judicial officers, assuring that more housing projects are underway for judges serving within the FCT.

Wike gave the assurance on Monday during the Special Court Session marking the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had prioritised judicial welfare in the FCT’s budget, with specific allocations made for new residential quarters for High Court judges to ease accommodation challenges.

According to the minister, a well-supported judiciary remains essential for the delivery of efficient, timely and professional justice.

He disclosed that the FCTA had formally handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for land belonging to the Supreme Court and had commenced full perimeter fencing of the complex to prevent encroachment and enhance security — a development he described as a “long-overdue intervention” that boosts confidence in the justice system.

Wike also highlighted several ongoing judicial infrastructure projects approved by the President. These include secure residential quarters for Heads of Courts, a new Magistrates’ Court Complex in Jabi District to decongest existing facilities, staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School, and new residences for justices of the National Industrial Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He stressed that the projects were designed to enable judges deliver justice without the distractions created by inadequate housing or poor work conditions.

“As we step into the new Legal Year, the FCT Administration remains resolute in driving justice reforms,” Wike said. “Our priorities are to consolidate the gains already made and expand support where it is most needed, especially in accommodation, infrastructure and digitisation.”

The minister further noted that the administration would intensify collaboration with courts to modernise registries, digitise proceedings and eliminate manual bottlenecks that slow down justice delivery.

He urged all stakeholders — judges, lawyers, government institutions and citizens — to work together to maintain the integrity and independence of the courts, describing justice as the bedrock of democracy.

Wike expressed confidence that the 2025/2026 Legal Year would usher in improved efficiency and stronger public trust in the Court of Appeal and the judiciary as a whole.