Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday defended his administration’s extensive judiciary infrastructure projects in Abuja, dismissing critics who alleged that the developments were intended to “buy over” judges.
Wike made the remarks after inspecting ongoing projects, including the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, 40 residential units for judges, and new facilities for the FCT High Court and Federal High Court.
The minister emphasized that the current administration is the first in Nigeria to provide official retirement residences for chief judges and heads of courts, a move he said would strengthen judicial independence and improve welfare.
“Before now, judges had nowhere suitable to stay to carry out their duties efficiently. Now that we are providing it, some say it’s an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy over?” Wike said. “These things shouldn’t deter us. Mr. President is committed to the judicial arm, which is key to democracy.”
Wike detailed the scope and progress of the projects, noting that they follow President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reduce accommodation burdens on the judiciary. The Court of Appeal division is nearly complete at 85–90%, while 40 residential units are under construction: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal, and 10 for the Federal High Court, with plans to extend similar housing for the Industrial Court.
“We believe, by June or July, these projects will be ready for handover to the judiciary,” Wike said. He also highlighted the unprecedented nature of providing retirement homes for heads of courts, calling it a “good development for judicial independence.”
Addressing concerns about construction delays due to last year’s heavy rains, the minister expressed confidence that the projects would be completed on schedule. “All allegations of trying to buy judges should wait until after the projects are provided. Let the focus be on delivery first,” he said.
Once completed, the initiatives are expected to enhance living and working conditions for judges and justices in the FCT, reflecting the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary.
