Wike Pledges More Homes for FCT Judges Amid Criticism

Despite criticism, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building additional residential houses for judges in the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike made the disclosure on Wednesday during the commissioning of 20 residential houses built for judges of the FCT High Court in Abuja.

He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu views the welfare, security and independence of the judiciary as a priority, recalling that shortly after their inauguration, the President directed him and the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure better conditions for judicial officers.

According to the minister, providing decent accommodation is a critical step toward strengthening the independence of the judiciary.

“If there’s one thing Mr President has consistently emphasised, it is improving the welfare and security of judicial officers so they can operate independently and perform their constitutional responsibilities effectively,” Wike said.

He noted that many judges currently reside in locations that may expose them to security risks, including proximity to individuals whose cases they adjudicate.

Wike explained that the FCT Administration had already provided residences for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja and had now completed 20 housing units for judges of the FCT High Court.

He also disclosed that three new court complexes for judges and magistrates would be completed and handed over before the end of the year to improve the administration of justice in the territory.

The minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue investing in judicial infrastructure, expressing confidence that before the expiration of President Tinubu’s first term, significant progress would have been made on the construction of another 20 housing units for FCT judges.

“We are not going to stop here. We are going to build more houses for the judges of the FCT. I believe that before the first tenure of Mr President expires, we would have gone far in the construction of 20 more houses for the judges of the FCT,” he said.

Wike also revealed that efforts were underway to secure presidential approval to allow the judges to own the newly constructed houses under an owner-occupier arrangement.

Addressing recent criticism over allegations of land grabbing, the minister dismissed the claims, explaining that the land on which the housing estate was built had been reclaimed from a private developer that had left it undeveloped for more than three decades.

According to him, the land was revoked in the overriding public interest after the developer failed to provide infrastructure or commence meaningful development.

He added that the FCT Administration subsequently constructed access roads and other infrastructure, transforming the area into a functional residential estate.

Meanwhile, while many Nigerians support the gesture, critics think that building houses for judges compromises the integrity and independence of the Judiciary.