WIKE FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENCES FOR HEADS OF COURT
…Project reflects Tinubu’s commitment to judicial welfare, says FCT Minister
By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday, flagged off the design and construction of residences for the heads of Court in Abuja, describing the project as one of the most significant initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the event in Asokoro District on Monday, October 13, 2025, Wike stated that the project aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to enhance the welfare and performance of judicial officers nationwide, emphasizing that judges should no longer reside in rented houses that expose them to security risks and compromise their independence.
“When Mr. President appointed us and asked how we could improve the welfare and performance of judicial officers, I told him that one key step is to stop judges from living in rented houses. Sometimes, they don’t even know their landlords or neighbours, yet they preside over sensitive cases. That is unacceptable.”
“We are changing that narrative under the directive of Mr President, who believes judges should have dignity in service and comfort in retirement,” Wike stated.
He emphasized that the initiative was not a random intervention but a well-structured policy backed by the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, duly approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by President Tinubu.
“What we are doing today is the policy of Mr. President. It is in the FCT’s budget and approved by the National Assembly. We are changing the narrative to ensure that, upon retirement, judges have their own houses, with Certificates of Occupancy issued in their names,” he added.
The minister also assured that before the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure, FCT Judges will have befitting residences.
Wike expressed appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his collaboration and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeframe.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, lauded the project as a tangible expression of President Tinubu’s vision to strengthen the judiciary and consolidate democratic governance in Nigeria.
He described the initiative as part of the administration’s broader agenda for judicial independence, institutional reform, and infrastructural renewal, adding that the new residences would enhance the dignity, security, and efficiency of judicial officers.
“The provision of secure and befitting accommodations for Heads of Court will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity. When welfare is guaranteed, corruption is reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
Fagbemi commended Wike for his leadership and effective coordination with the judiciary, describing him as a man who makes promises and delivers.
The justice minister also commended the President for magnanimously enhancing the emolument of judicial officers to a high level of 300.2 per cent.
“A feat that has not been performed in more than 20 years,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed deep appreciation to all dignitaries and stakeholders for their support, describing the project as a symbol of honour, dignity, and institutional pride for the judiciary.
“This project reflects the government’s recognition of the judiciary’s vital role in upholding justice, wisdom, and integrity. It represents respect for an institution that sustains democracy and national unity,” Mahmoud stated.
She also extended special gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and to all FCTA officials, contractors, and consultants for their professionalism and dedication.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda disclosed that the project comprises four fully furnished residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, and Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.
Dauda noted that the residences to be constructed in Asokoro District (Cadastral Zone A04) on plots 3000, 3002, 3003, and 2892 are awarded to Messrs Details Development Limited and are expected to be completed within 12 months.
The Executive secretary explained that each residence will feature a five-bedroom duplex, three-bedroom guest house, service quarters, worship centre, swimming pool, gatehouse, and full external works, including landscaping, car parks, and utility provisions.
Dauda said the initiative would not only boost judicial welfare but also create job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers during construction, urging residents to cooperate with the authorities to ensure timely project delivery.
Abuja Digest reports that present at the flag-off include the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba Yusuf, the President of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is Justice John Tsoho, and the President of the Court of Appeal in Nigeria is Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, who was represented.
In their goodwill messages, the justices appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister. Nyesom Wike for redefining the standard for judicial welfare and reinforcing President Tinubu’s vision of a just, secure, and development-driven Nigeria.
