Wike Approves Judges’ Takeover of New Residences Upon Retirement

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has officially approved the takeover of newly constructed official residences for the heads of courts in Abuja as personal properties upon their retirement. Speaking at the flag-off event for the design and construction of these residences on Monday, in Asokoro District, Wike emphasised that the project is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. The directive aims to end a longstanding challenge where judges are forced to live in rented accommodations, exposing them to security risks and undermining their dignity while they preside over sensitive and serious cases.

Wike explained that the practice of judges living in rented quarters where they may not even know their landlords or neighbours was a pressing concern for the administration. He reportedly told President Tinubu during his appointment consultation that discontinuing this trend would be a defining accomplishment for the government. The Minister underlined that no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented flats by 2027, although this timeline currently applies specifically to the FCT High Court judges.

The housing plan includes residences being constructed for the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court. Certificates of Occupancy have been issued in the names of these judicial heads, ensuring the properties will legally belong to them upon retirement.

Wike further clarified that this initiative is not an ad hoc project but a well-structured, budget-backed policy incorporated in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, duly passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President. He also stressed that the Federal Capital Development Authority’s role in constructing these official buildings does not imply executive interference in judicial affairs but aligns with its mandate to develop infrastructure in the FCT.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who praised the initiative, highlighted its importance in strengthening judicial independence and enhancing institutional dignity. He described the provision of secure and befitting accommodations as a critical step that promotes operational independence, personal security, and helps reduce corruption by improving judicial welfare.