The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday flagged off the design and construction of official residences for the Heads of Courts in the nation’s capital, marking Day 14 of the ongoing FCT projects inauguration series.
The beneficiaries include the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, described the project as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to judicial independence and welfare.
He commended the President for approving the project, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her support, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for initiating and implementing the vision.
Justice Kanyip said the initiative would provide safe, secure, and comfortable accommodation for judicial officers, thereby enhancing their efficiency, focus, and independence in the discharge of their duties.
“Providing safe, comfortable, and secure residences is crucial for the judiciary to function effectively without fear or external influence. This housing initiative will enable judicial officers to dedicate themselves fully to their responsibilities,” he said.
He recalled that as Governor of Rivers State, Wike had donated court buildings and residential houses to judges, adding that such gestures had strengthened judicial independence and public trust in the justice system.
Justice Kanyip also appealed to the FCT Minister to extend similar support to the judges of the National Industrial Court, in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the Tinubu administration.
“Your Excellency had promised last year that the next phase would include the Industrial Court. We at the NICN are ready to contribute to a more focused and efficient judiciary,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, praised the initiative as a bold statement on judicial reform and institutional independence.
He commended Wike for his “unprecedented infrastructural development and bold interventions” that have advanced justice sector reforms in the FCT.
“The prioritisation of purpose-built residences for heads of courts underscores a deep appreciation for the conditions under which justice is conceived, deliberated, and delivered,” he said.
Justice Yusuf described Wike as “the man for this assignment,” noting that his record of judicial support dates back to his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.
He also appreciated the collaborative role of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, in promoting a conducive environment for judicial officers across the country.
The Chief Judge urged stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at ensuring accessible, prompt, and credible justice delivery, adding that the new initiative should serve as a catalyst for enduring reforms in the justice system.
“May this initiative serve as a catalyst for sustained reform, efficient justice delivery, and enduring public trust in our institutions,” he concluded.
The flag-off ceremony forms part of the ongoing FCT projects commissioning and ground-breaking series under the administration of Minister Nyesom Wike.
