Falana threatens to sue FG over judges’ luxury housing scheme in Abuja

Falana threatens to sue FG over judges’ luxury housing scheme in Abuja

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has threatened to institute legal proceedings against the Federal Government over the allocation of newly completed luxury houses to judges in Katampe, Abuja, describing the initiative as discriminatory, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the principle of equality before the law.

Falana made his position known shortly after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) handed over another batch of judges’ quarters built under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. While acknowledging that judicial officers deserve decent welfare and secure accommodation, he argued that it is unlawful for the government to extend such exclusive benefits to judges while neglecting other categories of public servants.

Speaking in a video circulated by News Central Television, Falana said he was deeply concerned after watching the official handover ceremony, questioning the legal basis for providing houses solely to judges.

“We have got to a stage in the country where we need to challenge the special privileges given to the rich and top public officers. I watched the Federal Government handing over the keys of houses to judges and asked myself under what law we are operating because it is discriminatory and illegal. You must treat us equally in our country,” he said.

According to Falana, the issue is not whether judges deserve quality accommodation, but whether the government can lawfully favour one category of public officials while denying similar opportunities to others who also play vital roles in national development.

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He stressed that judicial officers require secure housing to protect the independence of the judiciary and enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively. However, he maintained that professors, doctors, civil servants, researchers and other public employees also deserve adequate welfare and housing support.

Falana disclosed that he would soon approach the courts to seek a judicial interpretation of the government’s decision, insisting that the principle of equality before the law should apply to every Nigerian regardless of profession or public office.

“If you don’t do it, you can be challenged, and that is going to happen very soon because what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” he stated.

The senior advocate cited the condition of university lecturers as an example, noting that many professors who have devoted decades to teaching and research are poorly remunerated and often live in rented accommodation because of inadequate staff housing.

He also criticised the welfare structure for career civil servants, arguing that many retire after more than three decades of service without access to decent housing, while some political office holders continue to enjoy multiple government-funded residences and generous allowances after leaving executive office.

Falana further questioned the continued benefits enjoyed by several former governors now serving in the National Assembly, alleging that many receive legislative salaries and allowances while retaining official residences in both their home states and Abuja.

The controversy follows the recent commissioning of additional residential units for judges under the FCT Administration’s Judicial Housing Programme, part of a broader initiative to construct 40 housing units for judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.

At the commissioning ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), defended the housing initiative, describing it as an investment in judicial independence, the rule of law and the efficient administration of justice rather than a personal privilege for judges.

Similarly, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the houses would be allocated on an owner-occupier basis, subject to presidential approval. He added that the project forms part of ongoing efforts by the administration to improve the welfare, security and working conditions of judicial officers across the Federal Capital Territory.

Legal analysts say the planned lawsuit could trigger a significant constitutional debate over the extent of executive powers in providing welfare packages to members of one arm of government and whether such benefits violate the constitutional principle of equal treatment.

The case may also test the balance between improving judicial welfare and ensuring fairness in the distribution of public resources among different categories of public servants.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and the National Judicial Council (NJC) had not officially responded to Falana’s threat to institute legal proceedings.

Falana threatens to sue FG over judges’ luxury housing scheme in Abuja