Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja are intended to influence or undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brushed aside concerns that the construction of new judicial facilities in Abuja could compromise the autonomy of the courts.
Wike spoke on Thursday after inspecting several ongoing judicial projects in the nation’s capital. The projects include the Court of Appeal complex, judges residential quarters, and official residences for heads of courts.
He explained that the developments are part of a presidential intervention aimed at strengthening the judiciary by improving welfare, security, and working conditions. The projects are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
According to the minister, the initiative has nothing to do with influencing judicial decisions, stressing that no democracy can thrive without a strong and independent judiciary.
Wike noted that criticism was inevitable, recalling that judges were previously faulted for lacking decent accommodation to effectively carry out their duties. People complained that judges had nowhere to live. Now that government is providing housing, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy? he asked.
He added that providing secure housing and a conducive environment for judicial officers does not in any way erode their constitutional independence, pointing out that even funds allocated to the judiciary are released through the executive arm of government.
The minister said the projects followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after assuming office in May 2023, instructing the FCT Administration to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and improve their welfare.
Wike disclosed that one of the major projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters is between 85 and 90 per cent completed.
He also revealed that the FCT Administration is building 40 housing units for judges: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court. Plans are also underway to extend similar housing support to judges of the National Industrial Court.
In addition, official residences, known as Houses of Courts, are being constructed for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.
Wike said the projects are expected to be completed and handed over by June or July, after which President Tinubu would formally present them to the judiciary. He described the initiative as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing delays in the completion of the Court of Appeal complex, the minister attributed the setback to heavy rainfall last year but assured that work has resumed at full pace. He said the project would be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as a key pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system.