Wike Explains Decision to Build Houses for Judges on Julius Berger's Allocated Land in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has explained his decision to revoke the certificate of occupancy for land previously allocated to Julius Berger in Abuja's Katampe District.

This land, which had remained undeveloped for 15 to 20 years, is now designated for the construction of 40 judges' quarters. Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony for this project, Wike recounted how he discovered the unused land while searching for a suitable site for the housing initiative.

Despite having dinner with the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Wike did not discuss the land during their meeting. Instead, the following day, the company received a revocation letter citing public interest.

Wike justified the revocation by emphasizing that "government-allocated land must be utilized, not left idle for decades." The project, approved by the Federal Executive Council, aims to provide post-retirement housing for judges, shielding them from potential manipulation and interference.

The allocation includes 20 units for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal, with 70% of the funds already released.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, praised the initiative as a pivotal milestone for enhancing judicial officers' welfare. She highlighted the importance of a supportive living environment for judges, stating that "judicial officers require peace of mind, security, and comfort to dedicate themselves to interpreting and applying the law effectively."

The construction of these residences is seen as a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers are well-supported, reflecting the recognition that their mental well-being is directly tied to their living conditions.