The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, flagged off the design and construction of permanent residences for the heads of four key courts in Nigeria on Oct. 13. The beneficiaries 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.
This initiative aims to boost judicial welfare and performance, showing the Tinubu administration’s strong push for judicial reform and infrastructure growth. The ceremony in Abuja drew senior judiciary members, lawyers, and executives, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The multi-billion-naira project is set to finish in 12 months. Wike said Certificates of Occupancy for the residences have been issued in the personal names of the beneficiaries, giving them permanent ownership—a historic move.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, said the project goes beyond buildings, calling it “a strategic affirmation of judicial welfare, security, and independence.” “A supportive environment for the bench is inseparable from an effective rule of law. This initiative embodies the convergence of infrastructural foresight with judicial reform,” Justice Yusuf said. He praised Wike’s focus on the judiciary from his time as Rivers State Governor to now as FCT Minister. “An onlooker may think you only cater for the judiciary, but truly, this is only a fraction of your developmental strides,” he added.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended Wike for turning promises into real results. “He gives promises and walks his talk. The ambience of this project, the vision, the planning—all these demonstrate a deep commitment to institutional dignity. Our judges deserve no less,” Fagbemi said. He added that secure housing will help judges focus on justice without distractions or corruption risks. “Once accommodation and salary are guaranteed, judges can focus fully on delivering justice,” he stated.
The President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, called the project “a practical demonstration of institutional support that goes beyond rhetoric.” He remembered Wike’s help to the National Industrial Court in Rivers State, where he gave court buildings and judges’ quarters, improving work in Port Harcourt. “Providing safe, comfortable, and secure residences is crucial for the judiciary to function effectively without fear or external influence,” he said. Justice Kanyip also mentioned the Supreme Court’s ruling in AG Abia State & Ors v. AG Federation (Executive Order 10 case), saying judicial housing is part of judges’ pay and key to independence.
Both Fagbemi and Justice Yusuf highlighted the Tinubu administration’s huge support for the judiciary, like the recent 300.2% salary increase for judicial officers and building 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, Abuja. Fagbemi called these efforts “unmatched in over two decades” and urged future leaders to keep it going. “A functional and well-equipped judiciary is not only a symbol of good governance but a guarantee of peace, stability, and investor confidence,” he said.
Wike reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to complete the housing within a year. “This is not just a project; it is a legacy. We will not disappoint,” he said, noting the residences are in prime Abuja areas fitting for their roles. Known for big infrastructure in Rivers State, Wike assured that this Abuja project starts a new era of judicial and infrastructural renewal in the FCT.
Speakers urged state governors to follow the Federal Government’s lead by focusing on judicial welfare and infrastructure, saying true judicial independence needs real investments in the system.
