By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday dismissed claims that the Federal Capital Territory Administration is using ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja to influence the judiciary.
Wike, who spoke after inspecting multiple judicial projects, including the Court of Appeal complex, new Judges Quarters and official residences for Heads of Courts, insisted that the interventions are strictly to strengthen the third arm of government.
He said the projects being executed by the FCTA under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority, were a direct presidential directive aimed at reducing accommodation challenges faced by judges and improving welfare and security within the judicial system.
“There is nothing you would do that critics will not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had nowhere to stay to do their work effectively. Now that government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” the minister asked.
He stressed that democracy cannot function without a strong and independent judiciary, adding that decent housing and safe working conditions do not erode judicial independence.
“You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to perform efficiently when they don’t have befitting places to stay. Even when funds are released to the judiciary, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” he stated.
According to Wike, President Bola Tinubu had, shortly after assuming office in 2023, instructed the Administration to prioritise judicial welfare by tackling the long-standing problem of inadequate accommodation.
He revealed that the new Court of Appeal division, complete with an administrative headquarters, is now between 85 and 90 per cent completed.
“We were there this morning and saw that the work is almost finished. That directive was very clear, and we are glad that it is being faithfully implemented,” he said.
The FCT is also delivering 40 residential units for judges, 20 of those are for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court, while preparations are underway to extend similar housing to judges of the National Industrial Court.
Wike further disclosed that purpose-built “Houses of Courts” are nearing completion for the 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.
“We believe that by June or July, with the speed of work we are seeing, these projects will be handed over for Mr. President to formally present to the judiciary,” he said.
Describing the scale of investment as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, the minister assured that delays in the Court of Appeal complex caused by last year’s heavy rains have been resolved, adding that the project will be ready for commissioning during President Tinubu’s third year in office.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
