In a significant move to enhance the welfare of the judiciary, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially flagged off the Design and Construction of 40 Judges Quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja.
The ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of judicial officers, given their critical responsibilities.
During yesterday’s ceremony, Wike expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the provision of adequate housing for judicial officers, emphasising that decent accommodation is vital for the judiciary’s independence.
“Mr President has also approved that by next year, we should make sure that we also provide for the industrial court as part of the renewed hope agenda,” he said.
The minister said that the project had received a remarkable 70 per cent budget allocation, a sharp contrast to the typical allocations for such projects, stressing the urgency of completing it within the designated timeline of 15 months.
“The budget for this project is not the normal budget where the cost is $50 billion. The budget provides $1 billion. But we have 70% of the budget approved for this project,” Wike noted.
Wike also explained the broader vision of maintaining the judiciary’s independence through improved service conditions, including salaries, allowances, and tenure security.
He referenced recent constitutional amendments that aim to raise the retirement age for judicial officers to 70, ensuring that their tenure is protected.
Also, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, while delivering her address during the ceremony, stressed the necessity of a conducive living environment for judicial officers, emphasising that such conditions directly correlate with their ability to provide justice impartially.
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security, and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous tasks of interpreting and applying the law,” she stated.
Kekere-Ekun hailed the initiative as a practical step towards fulfilling a basic housing need and as a recognition of the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers.
“The construction of these residences reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions,” she added.
In her concluding remarks, the Chief Justice expressed hope that the project will stand as a testament to the government’s commitment to the judiciary.
She emphasised that this initiative aligns with the administration’s broader renewal agenda and acts as a model for similar future projects.
“I am confident that this project will be executed to the highest standards and completed within the expected time frame,” she affirmed.
The ceremony culminated with the handing over certificates of occupancy to the heads of various courts, marking the formal commencement of the construction process.
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