The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government’s ongoing housing projects for the judiciary are intended to influence judges, describing the allegations as unfounded.
Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting several residential projects being constructed for judges and justices in the FCT.
According to him, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and not an attempt to compromise the independence of the judiciary.
Responding to critics who argue that the housing scheme is designed to curry favour with judges, the minister dismissed such concerns, insisting that government policies would always attract criticism. “Let us finish this first. There is nothing you would do that the critics will not criticise,” he said.
Wike questioned the logic behind the allegations, recalling that judges had previously raised concerns about poor accommodation affecting their performance.
He said, “Before now, they said, judges have nowhere to stay to carry out their job efficiently and effectively. Now that you are providing it, it becomes an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy over? These things shouldn’t bother us, Mr President means well for the Judiciary Arm of Government, which is very key.”
He emphasised that the President’s intention was genuine and highlighted the importance of the judiciary as a vital pillar of democratic governance.
The minister explained that the housing projects followed a directive issued by President Tinubu shortly after ministers assumed office in August 2023. “One of the directives of Mr President to the FCT and the FCDA is to see how we can reduce the accommodation burden as it affects the judiciary,” Wike said.
He disclosed that 40 residential houses were being constructed for judges across different courts in the FCT.
“We are constructing 40 residential houses; 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court. We will soon start one of the Industrial Courts.
“I am sure the judiciary will be happy because this is the first time any government has tried to intervene,” he said.
Providing an update on the level of work done, Wike said inspection of the projects showed that construction was nearing completion.
“Luckily for us, we were just there this afternoon, and we saw that the work is almost 85-90 per cent ready,” he said.
Wike also said the provision of official accommodation would address both welfare and security concerns, noting that it would reduce potential risks faced by judges.
Speaking on the residences being built for Heads of Courts, he said, “We can see how far it has gone. The accommodation for the Heads of Courts includes residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.
“We believe, by the grace of God, with the speed they are going, we believe by June/July, they will have handed over these projects for Mr President to hand over to the judiciary.
“This is a good development and also about the independence of the judiciary,” the minister added.
In 2024, FG approved the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja.
Wike announced the approval for the construction of the houses following a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
