.…asserts that No FCT Judge will live in rented apartment by end of Tinubu’s tenure
By Emmanuella Oghenetega
To encourage the independence of the judiciary, hence promote the rule of law, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has flagged off the construction of five-bedroom duplexes for Court Heads In the FCT.
The project which is located at the Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory, is to to serve as official residential quarters for the various Heads.
The beneficiaries of the project, which also includes a three-bedroom guest house, are the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Minister described the project as the “most important” of all the infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration, stressing that providing secure, high-quality residential accommodation was crucial.
He revealed that the President upon assuming office initiated the policy, recognizing that judicial officers should not be living in rented homes where their security and comfort could be compromised.
“You can’t afford to continue to see judges living in rented houses… These judges preside over criminal matters and other serious matters, of course, you never can tell what will happen”, the Minister noted, recalling a past instance where a presiding justice was forced to squat with a relative for two years.
Wike emphasized that the project was fully backed by the Federal Government, being provided for in the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the President.
The Minister announced that the newly constructed duplexes, as a policy shift under President Tinubu, will become the property of the Heads of Courts upon their retirement.
“As they are retiring, this property becomes their own. That is the approval of Mr. President, and that is why we issued the C of Os in their names”, Wike affirmed.
The Minister, stated that the project, which has commenced, must be completed in 12 months.
Beyond the four residences for the Heads of Courts, the Minister restated that the FCT Administration is also building 10 Duplexes for the Judges of the Court of Appeal, 10 Duplexes for the Judges of the Federal High Court, and 20 Duplexes for the Judges of the FCT High Court to provide them with dignified and befitting accommodation.
The Minister equally assured the President of the National Industrial Court that residential accommodation for their judges would also be provided, reiterating that President Tinubu always keeps to his promises.
Wike thanked the Attorney General of the Federation for his exemplary support, noting that he had changed the narrative regarding the welfare of judicial officers.
He said the FCT Administration has included the digitalization of FCT courts in the 2025 budget, through the collaboration of the Attorney General, adding that the General Council of the FCT has already been directed to immediately commence the project.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, said the provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of courts will enhance operational independence, personal security and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority.
In their separate goodwill messages, beneficiaries of the project, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban Mensem, President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, expressed appreciation for the gesture, pointing out that judicial officers performed better when their personal security and mental well-being are assured.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, asserted that the project was more than bricks and mortar, stressing that the initiative was fundamentally about “honour, dignity and institutional pride,” as it involves providing befitting residences for the esteemed heads of courts “whose wisdom and integrity uphold the rule of law in the nation”.
Providing an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, stated that the FCT Administration, in line with the Abuja Master Plan, made provision for the development of four fully furnished and serviced accommodations for Heads of Courts to address the dearth of accommodation confronting the judiciary, which he said was impeding the optimal performance of the third arm of government.
Engr. Dauda disclosed that the project located in Asokoro District, Cadastral Zone A04 was awarded to Messrs. Detailed 2 Dot Development Nigeria Limited and would be completed within 12 months, while the contractor had already mobilized to site.
He said the scope of work includes the Construction of four residences, each featuring a five-bedroom duplex (main house) with a three-bedroom guest house, service quarters, worship centers, a swimming pool, full furnishing and servicing, fencing, external works, landscaping, car parks, water supply, and power supply facilities
