By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that the massive residential and administrative infrastructure projects currently under construction for the judiciary are expected to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between June and July 2026.
Wike made this disclosure yesterday during a comprehensive inspection tour of various project sites across the capital city, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to strengthen the third arm of government.
He explained that the initiative stems from a direct mandate given by President Tinubu, following the inauguration of the cabinet in August 2023.
According to him, the goal is to eliminate the “accommodation burden” that has long plagued judicial officers in the FCT.
“It has never happened in the history of this country where Heads of Courts are being given houses upon their retirements.
“This is a good development for the independence of the judiciary”, Wike stated.
Wike emphasized that the move is as much about security as it is about welfare.
He noted that previously, many judges were forced to live in rented apartments in environments that potentially compromised their safety and neutrality.
“When you look around where our judges are staying, sometimes you don’t know who their neighbor is—it could be a criminal or someone whose case they are presiding over.
“Now, they will have their own befitting accommodation in a secure environment”, he said.
Responding to concerns from critics who suggest that providing such high-end infrastructure is an attempt by the executive to “compromise” or “buy over” the judiciary, Wike dismissed the allegations as baseless.
He said: “How many people can you buy over? “You can’t talk about democracy without a functional judiciary, and they cannot do their work effectively without proper welfare.”
Addressing why the Court of Appeal complex was not commissioned last year as initially planned, the Minister cited the heavy rainy season as a primary obstacle to construction.
However, he expressed confidence that with the current pace of work and the procurement of necessary materials, the projects will be ready for the Tinubu’s anniversary.
The projects currently nearing completion include: Court of Appeal Division: a dedicated administrative headquarters, currently at 85–90% completion;
Judicial Residential Complex: A 40-unit housing estate featuring 20 houses for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court.
Also, there are Heads of Courts Villas: Exclusive residences for the President of the Court of Appeal, President of the Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.
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