Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced broad changes to the judiciary in Abuja on Monday. He promised to digitise the FCT High Courts’ operations and put an end to the practice of justices residing in rental homes.
Wike referred to the initiative as the most significant project to date under the current administration’s infrastructure agenda while speaking during the flag-off of official houses for Heads of Courts in the FCT.
Judges living in rental homes and occasionally squatting with family members is something we cannot afford to keep up. Wike said, “No judge of the FCT High Court will be living in rental housing by the end of President Tinubu’s first term.
According to him, the administration will provide 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court and 10 each for the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The minister emphasised that after the beneficiaries retired, the houses would not return to the government.
“This is Mr. President’s policy. Judges are required to take their homes with them when they retire. No one will take them back. That’s the real stance,” he declared.
Wike also disclosed that the 2025 budget included funding for the digitisation of the FCT High Court, with immediate implementation to follow.
“I have ordered the digitisation process to start right now. He praised the Attorney General of the Federation for backing the idea and stated, “Our judges deserve the best working environment to serve justice effectively.”
He also insisted that the homes be finished within a year and turned over to the courts, warning contractors against any changes or delays.
Earlier, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT Minister of State, stated that the project shows a dedication to improving the capital’s ability to provide justice.
She praised President Tinubu’s vision and Wike’s leadership, saying, “This is about honour, dignity, and institutional pride; providing befitting residences for our Heads of Courts whose wisdom upholds the rule of law.”
