The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government’s housing projects for judges are aimed at influencing judicial decisions, describing the allegations as baseless.
He spoke in Abuja on Thursday after inspecting residential quarters being built for judges and justices in the FCT.
Wike said the project is part of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to improve the welfare, security, and working conditions of judicial officers, stressing that it poses no threat to the independence of the judiciary.
The minister argued that judges had long complained about poor accommodation, questioning why addressing the issue is now being framed as inducement.
Wike further disclosed that the project includes 40 housing units20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court, with plans to extend similar support to the Industrial Court.
He noted that the initiative followed a presidential directive issued shortly after ministers were sworn in August 2023.
The FCT minister also revealed that the construction was about 85 to 90 per cent completed and is expected to be handed over by June or July.
He added that official accommodation would reduce security risks for judges and described the project as a landmark intervention by the Federal Government to strengthen judicial independence.
