The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked a land allocation previously given to Julius Berger over 20 years ago for the construction of 40 residences for judges. This decision was made in the public interest, as Wike explained during the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of judicial quarters in the Katampe District, a project launched by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Wike expressed his dissatisfaction that despite the land being allocated to Julius Berger, the construction was never carried out. He viewed the revocation as a positive development, as it allowed the government to reclaim the land and use it for its current project—building residences for judges.
The new judicial quarters, which are set to be completed in 15 months, will provide housing for judges from the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court, and the FCT High Court. Wike also announced that the certificates of occupancy would be handed over to the judges upon the completion of the project.
Wike emphasized the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improving the working and living conditions of judges, highlighting the importance of these conditions for ensuring the judiciary’s independence from executive or legislative interference. He noted that the president is particularly focused on improving the remuneration and working environment of judicial officers.
Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her remarks, described the project as a crucial step in supporting judicial officers. She emphasized that a secure and comfortable living environment would enable judges to perform their duties more effectively and without external pressures, ultimately strengthening the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and the rule of law.
