The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has officially started the construction of five-bedroom duplexes in Asokoro, Abuja. These houses will serve as official homes for the Heads of Courts in the FCT.

Those to benefit from the project 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. Each of the residences will also have a three-bedroom guest house for visitors.

During the flag-off ceremony on October 13, 2025, Wike said the project is one of the most important under his administration. He explained that the aim is to give judges a secure and comfortable place to live, which will help protect their independence and strengthen the rule of law.

He added that President Bola Tinubu initiated the policy when he came into office, after realizing that many judges were still living in rented houses.

“You can’t continue to see judges living in rented homes. These are people who preside over criminal cases, and their safety must be guaranteed,” Wike said.

Wike revealed that the project is fully funded by the Federal Government through the FCT 2024 and 2025 budgets approved by the National Assembly. He also announced a new policy that allows each Head of Court to own the property after retirement.

“When they retire, the house becomes theirs. That is the approval of Mr. President, and we have already issued Certificates of Occupancy in their names,” he said.

The Minister gave the contractor a 12-month deadline to complete the project and warned that there would be no extension or extra costs.

Wike also said that more duplexes are being built for other judges, including:

• 10 houses for Justices of the Court of Appeal,
• 10 for Judges of the Federal High Court, and
• 20 for Judges of the FCT High Court.

He assured that before the end of President Tinubu’s first term, no judge in the FCT will live in rented quarters.

The Minister added that the digitalization of court systems in Abuja will begin soon as part of the 2025 budget.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised the initiative, saying it will improve the security, comfort, and dignity of judicial officers. He noted that the project shows President Tinubu’s strong support for the judiciary.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the project has been awarded to Messrs. Detailed 2 Dot Development Nigeria Limited. He said it will be completed within one year and includes:

• a five-bedroom duplex,

• a three-bedroom guest house,

• service quarters,

• a worship area,

• a swimming pool,

• landscaping, fencing, and power supply facilities.