The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday flagged off the design and construction of permanent residences for the heads of four key courts in the country.

The beneficiaries of the residences include the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing judicial welfare and performance, marks a major step in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to judicial reform and infrastructural development.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by senior members of the judiciary, bar, and executive, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The multi-billion-naira project is expected to be completed within 12 months.

According to Wike, Certificates of Occupancy for the residences have been processed in the personal names of the beneficiaries, signifying permanent ownership, a gesture widely described as historic.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, said the project represents more than physical infrastructure, describing it as “a strategic affirmation of judicial welfare, security, and independence.”

“A supportive environment for the bench is inseparable from an effective rule of law. This initiative embodies the convergence of infrastructural foresight with judicial reform,” Justice Yusuf said.

He praised Wike’s continued prioritisation of the judiciary, both as former Governor of Rivers State and now as FCT Minister.

“An onlooker may think you only cater for the judiciary, but truly, this is only a fraction of your developmental strides,” he added.

In his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), commended Wike for translating executive intent into tangible results.

Describing him as a man of his word, Fagbemi said Wike’s actions demonstrate a deep commitment to institutional dignity.

“He gives promises and walks his talk. The ambience of this project, the vision, the planning — all these demonstrate a deep commitment to institutional dignity. Our judges deserve no less,” he said.

Fagbemi added that providing secure and dignified accommodation would help remove distractions and reduce corruption risks within the judiciary.

“Once accommodation and salary are guaranteed, judges can focus fully on delivering justice,” he stated.

Also speaking, the President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, described the project as “a practical demonstration of institutional support that goes beyond rhetoric.”

He recalled Wike’s support for the National Industrial Court in Rivers State, where he donated court buildings and residential quarters for judges, a move that improved efficiency and integrity in Port Harcourt.

“Providing safe, comfortable, and secure residences is crucial for the judiciary to function effectively without fear or external influence,” he said.

Justice Kanyip also cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in AG Abia State & Ors v. AG Federation (Executive Order 10 case), noting that judicial housing is part of judges’ emoluments and central to judicial independence.

Both Fagbemi and Justice Yusuf highlighted the Tinubu administration’s unprecedented support for the judiciary, including the recent 300.2% salary increase for judicial officers and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.

Fagbemi described these efforts as “unmatched in over two decades,” urging future leaders to sustain the momentum.

“A functional and well-equipped judiciary is not only a symbol of good governance but a guarantee of peace, stability, and investor confidence,” he said.

In his address, Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the housing project within a year. “This is not just a project; it is a legacy. We will not disappoint,” he said, adding that the residences are located in prime areas of Abuja, befitting the offices of their occupants.

Known for his extensive infrastructure record in Rivers State, Wike assured that the Abuja project represents the beginning of a new phase of judicial and infrastructural renewal in the FCT.

Speakers at the event urged state governors to emulate the Federal Government’s example by prioritising judicial welfare and infrastructure, noting that genuine judicial independence depends on tangible investments in the system.