FCT Plans More Houses and Facilities for Judges

The Federal Capital Territory administration announced plans on Monday to build more houses and improve facilities for judges in Abuja. The update came from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who spoke at the Special Court Session marking the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal.

Wike said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will keep supporting the judiciary to help them work better, reduce delays in court processes, and maintain the independence of the judicial arm. He explained that the government has already made budget plans to provide more residential houses for FCT High Court judges, as many judicial officers still face housing shortages.

The minister also noted that the FCTA has officially handed over the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and begun full perimeter fencing of the entire area. According to him, this step will protect the nation’s highest court from land encroachment and security concerns. He added that this move restores confidence that the court had waited for through previous administrations.

Wike listed several ongoing projects supported by the Federal Government through the FCTA. These include new secure houses for Heads of Courts in the FCT, the construction of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi, and staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School. Other projects are the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, along with new residences for Justices of the National Industrial Court and Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said these projects aim to help judges work without worrying about poor living conditions, making it easier for them to focus on delivering justice quickly and effectively.

The minister stated that the FCTA will keep supporting justice reforms in the new legal year. He said the administration plans to push for fast completion of the new court buildings and residential quarters, as well as continue supporting the digitization of court processes to speed up justice delivery.

Wike added that justice must always remain fair and protected, calling on all legal and government bodies to work together to strengthen the judicial system. He expressed confidence that the new legal year will bring progress and smoother operations for the Court of Appeal.