FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced plans to construct an additional 20 housing units for judges of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, following the inauguration of a newly completed residential estate in Katampe, Abuja.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Wike said the newly completed 20-unit judges’ quarters would be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, subject to the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi.
The housing project forms part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing infrastructure development programme to strengthen the judiciary and improve the administration of justice in the nation’s capital.
According to Wike, the government remains committed to providing modern facilities that enable judicial officers to perform their duties efficiently.
He revealed that before the end of the year, the administration would also hand over newly constructed High Court and Magistrate Court buildings to the Chief Judge of the FCT, further expanding judicial infrastructure across the territory.
Addressing the issue of housing allocation, Wike explained that although some judges had expressed eagerness to immediately occupy the new residences, the final decision rests with the Presidency.
Recalling a similar initiative during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, he said the owner-occupier model had proven effective and expressed confidence that President Tinubu would approve the arrangement after consultations with the Attorney General.
The minister further disclosed that the current number of judges in the FCT exceeds the available housing units, making additional residential accommodation necessary.
He therefore announced plans to construct another 20 homes for judges before the end of President Tinubu’s first term, ensuring that more judicial officers benefit from improved welfare and living conditions.
Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary through sustained investments in modern court facilities, residential infrastructure and other projects aimed at enhancing justice delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.