President Bola Tinubu has approved an owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated this yesterday at the groundbreaking of the 40-unit Judges’ Quarters project in the Katampe District of Abuja.
The 40 housing units were for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court.
Wike said that 70 percent of the project’s budget, which covers furnishing, has been provided, adding that the contractor was expected to hand over the completed project in 15 months.
He said the gesture was part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country, in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said that Tinubu was working tirelessly to ensure the independence of the judiciary through improved welfare packages and conditions of service.
The Minister said that housing was another critical service condition in insulating the judiciary from government interference and manipulation by the executive and legislative arms.
Wike said the President approved owner-occupier housing for the judges to own homes when they retired.
“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere with their duties. When you have a home, what are you afraid of?
“When you know that salaries and allowances will be paid when you are retired and when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, anybody would be firm, and anybody would be courageous enough to do his or her work,” he said.
Wike said the gesture was also part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to render services to every Nigerian who comes to FCT to carry out businesses or wants to reside in Abuja.
He said 20 additional houses would be provided to the FCT judiciary and the Industrial Court in 2025 so they could also benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister explained that the land upon which the houses would be built was revoked from Julius Berger for failing to develop it 20 years after it was allocated to the company.
•Housing, others guarantee the independence of judiciary- Wike
Wike assured that housing, among other strategies like remuneration and tenure security, which President Tinubu is already handling, will guarantee the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary and insulate judges from manipulation.
The Minister said the condition of judges’ lives has been a concern to President Tinubu, who is determined to improve it, leave a legacy of isolating judges from manipulation, and create independence for the judiciary.
He said, “Mr President had always said: How do we work for the independence of the judiciary? How can the judiciary be independent? He has always said one of the things that guarantees the freedom of the judiciary is the tenure of judicial officers.
“Just like the Minister of Justice and Attorney General said, the President has done that by amending the constitution to see all judicial officers at least retire at 70.
“Mr President has also said the conditions of service are critical to the independence of the judiciary. If you want to insulate the judiciary from manipulation, from the interference of either the legislature or the executive branch, what is important is the conditions of service, one which has to do with their remuneration.
“Of course, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General has said that one of the first things Mr. President did was to amend the salaries and allowances of judicial officers in 2024, which was just assented to by Mr. President. That, of course, is to give them hope. It is to ensure that the allowances and salaries are up to the level that they can say yes or no.
“Another condition of service that is very, very critical in insulating the Judiciary from interference is housing. Every man needs housing. So also judicial officers. And so Mr. President said, it is not every time we talk about who supports the independence of the judiciary.
“We must show it in practice. We must show in action that we were indeed not saying so, but we are doing so. We must, at all times, provide housing.”
Wike said the template will be on an owner-occupier basis to guarantee that all judges are covered and that when they retire, they are sure of having a home to retire to and will not panic or get tempted.
“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere. When you have a home, what are you afraid of? When you know that salaries and allowances can be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, you will be firm. Anybody would be courageous enough to do their work. And that is what Mr President’s legal agenda is all about, not merely talking, but showing in action,” Wike said.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the gesture and described it as a significant milestone in the federal government and FCT Administration’s efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the territory.
According to her, the judiciary plays a critical role in safeguarding the rule of law, upholding justice, and protecting citizens’ rights.
“In fulfilling this rule, judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality, and integrity.
“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to the ability of judicial officers to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security, and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to interpreting and applying the law.
Kekere-Ekun said that the construction of the houses was a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers were well supported.
She said the houses would provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling the judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency, and clarity of mind.
“By making this investment, the FCT Administration has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the unique needs of the judiciary,” she said.
Also, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State, FCT, described Wike’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure for the judiciary as “invaluable and inspiring.”
Mahmoud urged stakeholders to support creating a space that reflects the nation’s values and commitment to justice.
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