The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to strengthening the judiciary by providing better facilities, secure housing, and improved working conditions for judicial officers across Abuja.

Wike stated this in a goodwill message at the Special Court Session marking the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

He highlighted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated new budget provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court judges, addressing accommodation challenges and ensuring that judicial officers have comfortable living arrangements.

“Providing secure and comfortable housing allows judges to fully focus on the efficient and timely administration of justice, without distractions caused by inadequate living conditions,” he said.

The Minister noted that the FCTA has already implemented significant measures to support the judiciary, including the formal handover of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and the start of full perimeter fencing around the complex to safeguard it from encroachment and security threats.

He described these initiatives as timely interventions that restore confidence in the system, which positively impacts all arms of the judiciary.

Wike further listed other ongoing projects under the President’s direction, including the construction of secure residential quarters for Heads of Courts, development of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi to ease pressure on existing courts, and staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School.

Additional projects include the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex and new residences for justices of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court Abuja Division, and other key judicial bodies. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to strengthen the justice system.

“Well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and supporting infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment,” Wike said.

Looking ahead to the new Legal Year, he stressed the FCTA’s determination to complete ongoing reforms. “We will prioritize the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilization. Additional residential houses for FCT High Court judges have also been budgeted to mitigate housing shortages and guarantee proper accommodation for all judicial officers.”

Wike added that the administration will continue collaborating with FCT-based judiciaries, including the Court of Appeal, to digitize court proceedings and registries, enhancing efficiency, reducing manual processes, and accelerating justice delivery.

“Justice must never be compromised, as it is the foundation of democracy and public trust. All stakeholders—judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens—must work together to strengthen the judicial system. I am confident that the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year will mark a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal,” he concluded.