In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday announced that by 2027, no judge of the FCT High Court will live in rented accommodation—courtesy of taxpayer-funded luxury housing projects that will eventually become private property for judicial elites.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the design and construction of official residences for Heads of Courts in Abuja, Wike touted the initiative as a hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He claimed the policy was aimed at improving judicial welfare, yet critics argue it reflects a troubling prioritisation of elite comfort over national urgency.
“Before the end of Mr President’s first tenure, no judge of the FCT High Court will be living in a rented quarter,” Wike declared, pointedly excluding judges from other courts. The minister confirmed that the multimillion-naira housing scheme is embedded in the 2024 and 2025 FCT budgets, already approved by the National Assembly and signed off by the President.
Observers have questioned the timing and ethics of the initiative, which comes amid widespread poverty, soaring inflation, and collapsing public infrastructure. While millions of Nigerians struggle to afford basic shelter, the government is allocating public funds to build permanent homes for a select few—homes that will become their personal property upon retirement.
“This is the approval of Mr President,” Wike said, confirming that Certificates of Occupancy have already been issued in the names of the beneficiaries.
The minister justified the scheme by citing security risks faced by judges living in rented quarters. “Sometimes, you don’t even know the landlord or the neighbours,” he said, suggesting that judicial officers are too vulnerable to live among ordinary citizens.
The initiative includes residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court. It follows earlier developments such as the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District and new magistrate courts in Jabi.
Wike insisted the FCT Administration’s involvement does not constitute executive interference, stating, “This is part of our mandate.” But critics argue that the optics of the project—lavish housing for judges while public schools, hospitals, and roads remain underfunded—undermine public trust in both the executive and judiciary.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi praised the initiative, claiming it would bolster judicial independence and reduce corruption. “Even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what will they use the money for? Accommodation? It’s already guaranteed,” he said—an assertion many view as dangerously simplistic.
As Nigeria grapples with economic instability and institutional decay, the decision to gift judges permanent homes raises urgent questions about governance priorities, transparency, and the widening gap between the ruling class and the citizens they claim to serve.
