Wike defends judges’ housing projects in Abuja

On Friday in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, spoke out in support of ongoing government projects that provide housing and office buildings for judges and courts.

His comments came after concerns from the Nigerian Bar Association about whether such projects could affect the independence of the judiciary.

Wike made the remarks while inspecting several developments, including residences for judges, the Court of Appeal building in Abuja, and planned housing for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal. He said government involvement in building facilities for judicial officers is not new and should not be seen as interference with court independence.

He explained that previous administrations had also built major judicial and government structures and said that providing infrastructure for judges is meant to improve their working conditions and comfort, not to influence their decisions.

The minister also reacted to the criticism from the legal body, saying it is inconsistent for the association to accept financial support from governments for its events while questioning similar government support for the judiciary. He maintained that receiving such support does not reduce independence.

Wike added that the current projects are part of plans linked to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and said many of the buildings are close to completion. He noted that the judges’ residential quarters are almost finished and properly furnished, while also pointing out that some work on the Court of Appeal building does not meet his expected standard and must be corrected before final approval.

He said the government will continue to monitor contractors to ensure that all judicial infrastructure projects are completed properly and within schedule, adding that all planned developments will be delivered as promised.