The Federal Government has pledged to include judicial officers and court personnel in its housing interventions across Nigeria.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), retired Justice Babatunde Adejumo (OFR).
Darma said the ministry would carry the judiciary along as it implements housing projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FG Targets Nigeria’s Housing Deficit
The minister said the government remains committed to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit, which he estimated at about 15 million units.
He acknowledged the scale of the challenge. However, he said sustained commitment, proper planning, strong partnerships and joint efforts could help reduce the gap.
Darma also assured judicial officers and court workers that they would not be excluded from federal housing programmes.
The minister said the housing ministry takes a broad national approach to its projects. The programmes cover different locations and levels of government, including states and local government areas.
He added that the ministry would continue to seek partnerships with institutions that can support the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.
Judiciary Seeks Housing Consideration
Adejumo commended the Federal Government for its efforts to tackle the country’s housing shortage.
He also called on the ministry to consider the housing needs of judicial officers and court personnel when allocating homes under its housing programmes.
According to him, members of the judiciary and court staff also face housing challenges. He therefore expressed the NJI’s willingness to work with the ministry through lawful and legitimate partnerships.
Adejumo stressed that such cooperation must respect the independence and constitutional duties of the judiciary.
NJI Offers Training Support
The proposed partnership could also cover training and human capacity development.
Adejumo said the NJI has conference facilities and other resources that the ministry could use for relevant training programmes.
The institute provides training, capacity building and continuing education for judicial officers and court personnel.
He said cooperation between the two institutions could create opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development.
The partnership could also help both organisations develop training programmes linked to the implementation of housing policies and programmes.
Housing and Public Sector Welfare
The discussion highlights the wider role of housing in public-sector welfare.
Government housing programmes do not only involve the construction of homes. They also involve land, infrastructure, finance, allocation and access to suitable locations.
For the housing and construction sectors, wider government housing programmes can also support demand for new developments. They can create opportunities for developers, contractors, financiers and other professionals across the property value chain.
The inclusion of judicial officers and court personnel could therefore form part of a broader effort to address housing needs among public-sector workers.
The Federal Government’s engagement with the NJI also shows the importance of institutional partnerships in delivering housing programmes. As Nigeria works to reduce its housing deficit, effective planning and transparent implementation will remain important to expanding access to decent housing.
