Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, announced that the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the construction of 40 housing units in Abuja for judges across the country.
After a meeting of the FEC chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, Wike informed journalists that the houses will be situated in the Kantampe district.
He indicated that the construction is expected to be completed within 15 months, with 20 units designated for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal.
The minister noted that President Tinubu, recognizing the importance of judges, expressed concern that they often live in unsafe rented accommodations and hotels.
Wike said, “It is not convenient for them to do their work. And so, the president directed that the FCT, through the FCDA, to immediately construct 40 numbered judges and justices quarters at Katampe district.
“What it means is that out of these 40 FCT high courts, the FCT court will have 20, the federal high court will have 10, the court of appeal will have 10, and this will be completed in fifteen months’ time.”
“Construction of an access road from Artillery Road N11 from Mabuchi to the judges’ quarters. Development of all internal roads within the judges’ quarters,” he stated.
Recall that The NJC has established four investigation panels to examine allegations of judicial misconduct against 27 high court judges in the country.
The move follows the review of 22 petitions filed against the judges at the NJC’s 106th meeting, presided over by outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.
Additionally, the NJC issued a letter of advice to Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court, cautioning him to exercise restraint in his actions and language, even in challenging situations.