FCT Minister says provision of housing and office facilities for judges will strengthen, not compromise, the justice system.
By Baron Eloagu / ABUJA — May 8, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that the construction of residential and office facilities for judicial officers by the executive arm of government could undermine judicial independence.
Wike spoke on Friday after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects and major road works in Abuja scheduled for commissioning as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Wike Rejects Concerns Over Judicial Independence
The minister was reacting to concerns reportedly raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, who allegedly suggested that providing courts, official residences and vehicles for judges by the executive could compromise the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
Describing the argument as “unfortunate,” Wike maintained that the provision of infrastructure for independent arms of government has always been part of the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
According to him, several major national institutions, including the Supreme Court complex, National Assembly buildings and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were constructed by the FCDA without affecting their independence.
“The mere fact that the executive constructs these facilities does not mean there will be interference,” Wike said.
He explained that President Tinubu had directed the FCDA to ensure that judges and justices are provided with conducive accommodation and office facilities to enable them focus on their duties effectively.
MD/CEO Details 2 Dot Development Co. Nig. Ltd, Arc Akor Adapoyi, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Hon Victor Ihunwo and Chief Audu Ella during the Minister’s inspection of almost completed Judges Quarters in Katampe district, Abuja, on Friday
Minister Questions NBA’s Position
Wike also criticised the NBA leadership over what he described as contradictory positions regarding executive support and institutional independence.
The minister argued that state governments have consistently sponsored activities of the NBA, including conferences and events, without the association considering such support as interference.
He specifically referenced the forthcoming NBA conference scheduled to hold in Rivers State, which he said had received support from the state government.
“State governments have been funding the NBA, yet they still claim independence. So why should the judiciary lose independence because government provides infrastructure?” he queried.
The minister further stated that the criticism would not deter the FCT Administration from carrying out projects aimed at strengthening public institutions.
Inspection of Judicial Infrastructure Projects
During the inspection tour, Wike assessed ongoing projects including the Judges’ Quarters, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the Collector Road C01 in Life Camp and the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) linking Life Camp Junction to Dei-Dei.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of completion of most of the projects, particularly the Judges’ Quarters being handled by a local contractor.
According to him, the residential facility was about 99 per cent completed and would be among projects scheduled for inauguration during the anniversary celebrations.
However, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing works at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and directed the contractor to correct identified defects before commissioning.
“I must say it is not the quality I expected. I have pointed out some areas that must be improved before inauguration,” he stated.
More Judicial Housing Projects Planned
Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration would soon perform groundbreaking ceremonies for residential projects intended for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
He said the projects were part of efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen institutional efficiency and improve working conditions within the judiciary.
Julius Berger Commended Over Road Project
On infrastructure development, the minister commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for completing the Arterial Road N5 project.
He revealed that the contractor had also been directed to construct an additional 800-metre link road connecting the corridor to the Dei-Dei/Life Camp Road to ensure full connectivity within the area.
Wike Opposes Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise
Addressing questions on environmental sanitation, Wike ruled out the return of the once-a-month sanitation exercise in the FCT.
He argued that maintaining cleanliness should become a daily civic responsibility rather than a periodic government-driven activity.
According to him, residents should cultivate the habit of clearing drainages and disposing waste properly to support environmental sustainability.
FCTA Considers Waste Recycling Initiative
The minister further revealed that the FCT Administration was evaluating proposals for the establishment of recycling plants capable of converting waste into useful products.
He noted that modern waste management goes beyond creating dumpsites and requires sustainable recycling systems that can generate economic value from refuse.
“Waste disposal is not an easy task anywhere in the world. We are looking seriously at recycling initiatives that can convert waste into useful products,” Wike stated.
Wike maintained that the FCT Administration would continue pursuing infrastructure and institutional development projects aimed at strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and transforming Abuja into a modern and functional capital city.
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