WIKE INSPECTS JUDGES’ HOUSING PROJECTS, DENIES MOVE TO INFLUENCE JUDICIARY

WIKE INSPECTS JUDGES’ HOUSING PROJECTS, DENIES MOVE TO INFLUENCE JUDICIARY


The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that the Federal Government’s ongoing housing projects for judges and justices are intended to influence judicial decisions.

Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja after inspecting residential buildings under construction for members of the judiciary within the Federal Capital Territory.

Addressing concerns raised in some quarters, the minister said the housing initiative is strictly a welfare intervention approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve the living and working conditions of judicial officers, not an attempt to compromise the independence of the judiciary.

According to him, criticism of government policies is inevitable, but the intention behind the housing project remains genuine.

Wike noted that for years, judicial officers had complained about inadequate accommodation, which affected their efficiency and security.

He questioned the logic of claims suggesting that providing official residences amounted to an effort to influence judges, insisting that welfare support should not be misconstrued as inducement.

The minister emphasised that the judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy and must be adequately supported to function effectively and independently.

He explained that the housing projects were initiated following a directive issued by President Tinubu shortly after ministers assumed office in August 2023, with a specific mandate to reduce the accommodation burden faced by judges and justices in the FCT.

Providing details, Wike disclosed that 40 residential houses are currently under construction for judicial officers across various courts in Abuja.

According to him, the breakdown includes 20 houses for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court, with plans underway to commence accommodation projects for the National Industrial Court.

Wike said inspection of the projects showed that construction had reached an advanced stage.

He stated that most of the buildings were between 85 and 90 per cent completed, expressing confidence that the projects would be delivered within the projected timeline.

The minister also highlighted that the provision of official accommodation would enhance the safety of judges by reducing their exposure to security risks associated with private housing arrangements.

Speaking on residences being constructed for heads of courts, Wike said the facilities include official homes for 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 added that the projects are expected to be completed and formally handed over to the judiciary between June and July 2026, subject to final inspections.

Wike described the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening judicial independence through improved welfare and infrastructure support.

In 2024, the Federal Government approved the construction of the 40 housing units for judges in Abuja following 

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