The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denied claims that ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja could compromise the independence of the judiciary. The minister made this known on Thursday during an inspection of several judicial facilities in the nation’s capital.
The projects under review include the Court of Appeal complex, judges’ quarters, and administrative headquarters for heads of courts. Wike explained that these initiatives are part of presidential directives aimed at improving the welfare, security, and efficiency of the judiciary. The Federal Capital Territory Administration is executing the projects under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority.
Wike noted that providing housing and facilities for judges is meant to create an enabling environment for them to perform effectively. He insisted that supporting the judiciary through infrastructure does not undermine its constitutional independence. The minister said that a functioning democracy depends on a strong and independent judiciary and that adequate accommodation and secure workplaces are essential for judges to carry out their duties efficiently.
According to Wike, one of the key projects, a Court of Appeal division with a separate administrative headquarters, is nearly 90 percent complete. In addition, the FCT Administration is constructing 40 residential houses for judges, including 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court. Plans are also underway for housing for the National Industrial Court.
The minister added that official residences are being built 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. He assured that with the current pace of work, the projects will be ready for formal handover in the third year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing delays in completing the Court of Appeal complex, Wike attributed them to heavy rainfall last year but confirmed that work is now near completion. He described the developments as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic system.
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