President Bola Tinubu has approved an owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, stated this at the groundbreaking of 40 housing units Judges’ Quarters project at Katampe District, Abuja, on Monday.

The 40 housing units were for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court.

Mr Wike said that 70 per cent of the project’s budget, which covers furnishing, has been provided, adding that the contractor was expected to hand over the completed project in 15 months.

The gesture,  he said, was part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country in line with Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He said that Mr Tinubu was working tirelessly to ensure the independence of the judiciary through improved welfare packages and conditions of service.

The minister said that another condition of service that was very critical in insulating the judiciary from interference and manipulation by the executive and legislative arms of government was housing.

Mr Wike said the president had approved the owner-occupier housing for the judges so they could have their own home at retirement.

“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere with their duties. When you have a home, what are you afraid of?

“When you know that salaries and allowances will be paid when you are retired when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, anybody would be firm, anybody would be courageous to do his work or her work,” he said.

Mr Wike said the gesture was also part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to render services to every Nigerian who comes to FCT to carry out business or who wants to reside in Abuja.

He said 20 additional houses would be provided in 2025 to the FCT judiciary and the Industrial Court to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister explained that the land upon which the houses would be built was revoked from Julius Berger for failing to develop it 20 years after it was allocated to the company.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the gesture, describing it as a significant milestone in the federal government and FCT Administration’s efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the territory.

According to her, the judiciary plays a critical role in safeguarding the rule of law, upholding justice and protecting the rights of citizens.

“In fulfilling this rule, judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.

“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to the ability of judicial officers to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.

“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.”

Mrs Kekere-Ekun said that the construction of the houses was a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers were well supported.

She said the houses would provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling the judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency and clarity of mind.

“By making this investment, the FCT Administration has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the unique needs of the judiciary,” she said.

Also, Mariya Mahmoud, the minister of state, FCT, described Mr Wike’s commitment towards enhancing infrastructure for the judiciary as “invaluable and inspiring”.

Ms Mahmoud urged stakeholders’ support to create a space reflecting the nation’s values and commitment to justice.

(NAN)