The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that 80 percent of judges’ accommodation challenges in Abuja will be resolved before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first tenure in 2027.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the construction of a Magistrate Court in Jabi, Abuja, where he lamented that some judges still live in rented apartments and face embarrassment from their landlords.
According to the Minister, poor welfare and inadequate infrastructure hinder quick dispensation of justice.
“Sometimes you see our judges living as tenants. When they cannot pay on time, landlords block their gates with cars, demanding rent. That is very embarrassing. Even where some of them stay, they live close to criminals, which puts their lives at risk,” Wike said.
He stressed that President Tinubu is determined to create an enabling environment for the judiciary, noting that no effective fight against corruption can succeed without adequate welfare for judges and magistrates.
Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration has lined up several housing projects for judicial officers. He announced that 20 units of four-bedroom duplexes will be handed over to the Federal High Court before the end of 2025, while another 30 duplexes will be delivered to the FCT High Court by June 2026, during the President’s third anniversary in office.
“It’s not just here. If you go to the Villa where the fire service station is located, another project is ongoing. The same in Garki, to accommodate many magistrates so they can perform their duties effectively,” the Minister added.
He further clarified that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is statutorily responsible for constructing public buildings in Abuja, including those for the judiciary.
“Most public buildings you see in Abuja — whether INEC headquarters or the Supreme Court — were built by the FCDA. So it is within their mandate to provide accommodation and office facilities for the judiciary,” Wike said.
