WE’RE FULFILLING TINUBU’S VISION TO BUILD RESIDENCES FOR JUDICIARY – WIKE
By: Wisdom Acka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the ongoing construction of residential quarters for judges and justices in Abuja is in direct fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to prioritize the welfare and independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.
Wike made the statement on Thursday, 5th February 2026, during an inspection tour of the housing projects, which are nearing completion at various sites.
He revealed that the initiative, launched shortly after Tinubu’s inauguration in 2023, aims to provide secure and dignified accommodations for judicial officers, ensuring they operate in an independent and conducive environment devoid of interference.
The Minister’s words: “When we came on board as Ministers in August, one of the directives of Mr. President to the FCT and the FCDA is to see how we can reduce the accommodation burden as it affects the judiciary.
“He also talked about the welfare and the environment where they stay to do their work, being very key.
“So, he gave a marching order that, first of all, there should be a Court of Appeal division, housing their own structure separately for administrative headquarters.
“Luckily for us, we were just there this morning, and we saw that the work is almost 85-90% ready.
“Then, we went to where we are constructing 40 residential houses: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court,”* pledging: “We will soon start the one for the Industrial Court.”
Wike stated: “Of course, in such structures, you feel happy that Mr. President means well for the third arm of government, which is the judicial sector. I’m sure the judiciary will be happy because this is the first time any government has tried to intervene.”
Berating the poor conditions of residential accommodations for top judicial officers, the Minister said: “When you look around where our Judges and Justices are staying, sometimes you don’t know who their neighbor is, whether he is a criminal whom they are even presiding over his or her case.”
Expressing optimism for a better judiciary, he said: *”But now, they will no longer be renting houses. They have their own accommodation, very befitting and in a good environment.
“For the first time, Judges will no longer live among strangers. These residences will ensure their safety, dignity, and efficiency.”*
The Minister inspected all the residences in Katampe, near Mabushi and Asokoro, where there are ongoing constructions of exclusive residences for the heads of judicial divisions, including the President of the Court of Appeal and Chief Judges.
Dismissing critics as he celebrates progress, Wike argued against insinuations that the housing schemes could compromise judicial independence, affirming that it would rather strengthen the judiciary and ensure its independence.
“When past governments neglected the judiciary, critics complained; now that we are fixing the problem, they call it a bribe. Let them talkwe will deliver,” he asserted.
He was upbeat about delivery timelines, noting that with the contractors working at an accelerated pace, the handover of the houses by June or July 2026 is optimistic, stating that the President’s vision was becoming a reality.
