The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged that before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented apartment. Wike made the promise on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in the FCT. He said the initiative marks the beginning of a new era for judicial officers in the nation’s capital. “Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike said. “I didn’t say Federal High Court or National Industrial Court — I mean judges of the FCT High Court.” The minister explained that the project is part of the administration’s broader effort to improve judicial welfare and infrastructure, following the recent construction of magistrate courts in Jabi and 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District. He stressed that the move should not be mistaken for executive interference, noting that the Federal Capital Development Authority is responsible for constructing public buildings in the FCT. Wike also revealed that the heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court, will retain ownership of their residences after retirement. “What we are doing today is not temporary accommodation. When they retire, the houses will become theirs. That’s the directive of Mr President, and that’s why the seal of oaths was issued in their names,” Wike said. “So, no one should expect any controversy about ownership after they retire — these homes are part of their entitlements.” Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward strengthening judicial independence and institutional integrity. He said, “Providing secure and befitting accommodation for heads of court will enhance their independence, dignity, and security, enabling them to discharge their duties with greater focus and authority.” Fagbemi further noted that the initiative would help reduce corruption within the judiciary, adding, “Even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what would they be doing with the money when their accommodation is already taken care of?” He praised President Tinubu and Wike for prioritizing judicial welfare, saying their actions reflect a genuine commitment to institutional strengthening and infrastructural development.