…Promises official residences, digitisation of court operations

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced major interventions aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary in Abuja, pledging to end the era of judges living in rented apartments by 2027.

Wike made the pledge on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of official residences for Heads of Courts in the FCT, describing the initiative as one of the most significant projects under the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure drive.

“We cannot afford to continue seeing judges living in rented houses, sometimes squatting with relatives,” Wike said. “By the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rented quarters.”

The minister disclosed that the FCT Administration would build 10 duplexes each for the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, and 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court.

He further clarified that the new policy provides that the houses would become the personal property of the judges upon retirement, rather than reverting to the government.

“This is a policy of Mr President. When judges retire, they must go home with their houses. Nobody will reclaim them. That is the true position,” Wike stated.

Wike also announced that the digitisation of the FCT High Court has been fully captured in the 2025 budget, with directives for immediate implementation.

“I have directed that the digitisation project commence without delay. Our judges deserve the best working environment to deliver justice effectively,” he said, commending the Attorney General of the Federation for supporting the initiative.

The minister issued a stern warning to contractors handling the project against delays or cost variations, insisting that the residences must be completed within 12 months and handed over to the judiciary.

Earlier in her remarks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice system and upholding institutional dignity.

“This is about honour, dignity and institutional pride; providing befitting residences for our Heads of Courts whose wisdom upholds the rule of law,” Mahmoud said, praising President Tinubu’s vision and Minister Wike’s leadership.