The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government’s ongoing housing projects for the judiciary are meant to influence judges, describing such allegations as unfounded.
Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting several residential projects being constructed for judges and justices in the FCT. He said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.
Addressing critics, Wike noted, “Before now, judges have nowhere to stay to carry out their jobs efficiently. 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.”
The minister revealed that 40 residential houses are being constructed across different courts in the FCT: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court, with plans to start one for the Industrial Court soon.
According to Wike, the housing projects are nearly 85-90% complete, and official residences are also being built for Heads of Courts, including the Presidents of the Court of Appeal and Industrial Court, and the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and FCT High Court. He emphasized that the accommodations would enhance both welfare and security, and reaffirm the independence of the judiciary.
The projects, approved in 2024 following a Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu, are expected to be handed over by June/July 2026.
