Wike Seeks Tinubu’s Approval to Allocate New Judges’ Quarters on Owner-Occupier Basis

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the newly completed residential quarters for judges of the FCT High Court will be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, pending approval from President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

Wike made the announcement on Wednesday during the inauguration of 20 housing units constructed for FCT High Court judges in Katampe, Abuja. The project is among several initiatives commissioned as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.

The minister said the FCT Administration remained committed to strengthening the judiciary through sustained investment in infrastructure aimed at improving the delivery of justice.

According to him, the administration's support for the judiciary goes beyond residential accommodation, with plans already underway to provide additional court facilities for judges and magistrates.

“We are not going to stop at residences. Before the end of the year, we will hand over structures for the Judges’ Courts and Magistrates’ Courts to the Chief Judge of the FCT to enable them perform their duties more efficiently,” Wike said.

The minister recounted a light-hearted exchange with one of the judges during the event, noting that while some judicial officers were eager to move into the newly completed homes immediately, the allocation process would follow due procedure.

He explained that unlike his time as governor when he could independently approve such arrangements, he now requires the consent of President Tinubu, adding that the presence and support of the Attorney General would facilitate the approval process.

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Wike expressed confidence that the houses would eventually be allocated to the judges under the owner-occupier arrangement once the necessary approvals are secured.

The minister also unveiled plans to expand housing provision for judicial officers, saying the current accommodation is insufficient for the growing number of judges in the FCT.

He revealed that the administration intends to construct an additional 20 housing units before the end of President Tinubu’s first term in office.

“We are not stopping here. We will build more houses for judges in the FCT. From what I have been told, the number of judges is such that we cannot accommodate everyone at once. Before the expiration of Mr President’s first tenure, we should have made significant progress in delivering another 20 houses,” he said.

The development forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader effort to enhance the welfare of judicial officers and strengthen the infrastructure needed for effective justice administration in the nation’s capital.