The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed his decision to revoke the certificate of occupancy (C of O) for plots of land allocated to Julius Berger in the Katampe District of Abuja. The land will now be used for the construction of residential quarters for judges.
Wike shared this during the official flag-off ceremony for the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in Abuja, attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, among other dignitaries.
He stated that 70% of the project’s funding had already been released following its approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last month. The quarters, when completed, will consist of 40 units, with 20 allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.
Wike highlighted the importance of post-retirement housing for judges, emphasizing that it helps shield them from potential interference and temptation.
Explaining how the land was secured, Wike recalled his discovery of the undeveloped land during a search for suitable plots for the project. Upon learning that the land had been allocated to Julius Berger over 15 years ago without any development, he initiated the revocation process in the public interest.
“I invited the Managing Director of Julius Berger for dinner but didn’t discuss the land,” Wike said. “The next day, he received the revocation letter. When he questioned it, I explained that land allocated for over 20 years without development must be reclaimed for public use.”
Wike expressed satisfaction that the land was now available to support the housing needs of the judiciary, a move he believes is in the best interest of both the public and the legal profession.
