The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the judiciary, describing the allegations as unfounded and misleading.
Wike spoke on Thursday after inspecting several judicial projects in the nation’s capital, including the Court of Appeal complex, judges’ quarters and official residences for heads of courts. The projects, he said, are presidential interventions aimed at strengthening the third arm of government and ensuring its independence.
According to the minister, the projects are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), in line with a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after his inauguration in May 2023.
Wike explained that the interventions are focused on improving the welfare, security and efficiency of judicial officers, insisting that providing accommodation and infrastructure does not amount to interference in judicial functions.
“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 the government is providing accommodation, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” he asked.
He stressed that no democracy could function without a strong and independent judiciary, adding that judges cannot be expected to perform optimally without decent living conditions and a secure working environment.
“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,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that one of the major projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters, is already between 85 and 90 per cent completed. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the project is close to delivery.
In addition, Wike revealed that the FCT Administration is constructing 40 residential houses for judges—20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court—with plans underway to begin similar housing projects for the National Industrial Court.
He also said official residences, referred to as “Houses of Courts,” are being built 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.
“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,” Wike said, describing the development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing concerns over delays in the completion of the Court of Appeal complex, the minister attributed the setback to unusually heavy rainfall last year but assured that the project is now nearing completion and would be commissioned during President Tinubu’s third year in office.
Wike reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system, expressing confidence in the quality and timely delivery of the ongoing projects.
