FCT Minister Wike Promises to Resolve Judges’ Housing Challenges Before 2027

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that his administration will address the accommodation challenges faced by judges in Abuja before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in 2027. Wike, who spoke during the commissioning of a new magistrates’ court in the FCT, expressed concern that some judges in the nation’s capital still live as tenants, paying rent and depending on landlords for shelter. He described the development as “embarrassing and unacceptable” for the judiciary, which he said plays a critical role in upholding justice and sustaining democracy. Housing Delivery Timeline The minister outlined a phased plan to provide befitting residences for judicial officers. He disclosed that 20 duplexes for FCT High Court judges will be delivered by October 2025, while another 30 units will be completed and handed over by June 2026. By the end of these projects, he said, at least 80 percent of judges’ housing needs in the capital would have been met. “It is unfortunate that in the FCT, some of our judges are still tenants. This does not speak well of us as a country. By October this year, 20 units will be ready for handover, and by June next year, an additional 30 will be completed. By 2027, no one should say judges in the FCT are without proper housing,” Wike said. Judicial Welfare and Independence Wike stressed that adequate housing for judges is more than just a welfare gesture, noting that poor living conditions could expose judicial officers to undue pressures. He argued that providing dignified accommodation is essential to guaranteeing judicial independence and ensuring the credibility of the justice system. “A judge should not be at the mercy of a landlord or worried about rent when delivering justice. Their independence and peace of mind must be safeguarded, and housing is a critical part of that,” he explained. The initiative is part of the federal government’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritizes welfare improvements for public officials and institutions. Similar housing projects for judicial officers had been introduced in the past under owner-occupier schemes, though they generated debate among civil society groups regarding transparency and fair allocation. Wike, however, maintained that the current program is focused on strengthening the judiciary and enhancing institutional capacity. He assured that the allocation process would be transparent and strictly targeted at serving judicial officers. The poor welfare of judicial officers has long been a matter of concern in Nigeria. Legal experts argue that the lack of decent housing and insufficient remuneration makes judges vulnerable to external influence and undermines public confidence in the courts. By announcing specific housing delivery targets with timelines, the FCT Administration is taking a concrete step toward resolving this systemic issue. Observers will now be watching for the first milestone in October 2025, when the 20 housing units are scheduled for commissioning, followed by the June 2026 delivery of an additional 30 units. If completed as planned, the projects would mark one of the most significant welfare interventions for judges in Abuja in recent years.