FG’s multi-billion naira FCT homes project excites judiciary

• Judges’ association lauds international admission

In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening performance and enhancing welfare of judicial officers, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday, flagged off the design and construction of permanent residences for heads of four critical courts in the country —President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and President of the National Industrial Court.

The ceremony, which was held in Abuja, attracted senior members of the Bench, Bar, and Executive arm of government, including Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who hailed the initiative as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to judicial reform and infrastructural development.

The multi-billion naira project, which is to be delivered within 12 months, would see each of the aforementioned judicial leaders housed in befitting, purpose-built residences within the FCT.

According to Wike, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for the homes have already been processed, signifying permanent ownership, a gesture many in the judiciary described as “historic.”

Delivering a goodwill message at the event, Chief Judge of the FCT, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, described the project as more than a construction initiative, calling it a “strategic affirmation of judicial welfare, security, and independence.”

In his remarks, Fagbemi lauded the minister for transforming executive intent into actionable outcomes, referring to Wike as a man of his word. President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, described the project as a “practical demonstration of institutional support that goes beyond rhetoric.”

BESIDES, the National Association of Judges in Nigeria (NAJN) has been admitted as a member of the International Association of Judges (IAJ). It was admitted at the 67th yearly meeting of the global body in Baku, Azerbaijan.

According to a statement by media aide to CJN, Tobi Soniyi, the admission demonstrates global recognition and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary. Nigeria has now become the 93rd member of the association.