Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, insisting that the projects would not compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike made the remarks on Friday after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, and proposed housing projects for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister was reacting to concerns reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association over executive involvement in providing infrastructure for the judiciary.

Dismissing the criticisms, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was not new and should not be interpreted as interference with the judiciary.

“The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary,” he said.

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by the government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike also accused the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association of inconsistency, alleging that the association often seeks financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices across the country.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” he added.

Wike explained that the judicial projects form part of activities lined up to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the judges’ quarters project, describing the development as well executed and almost ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister further disclosed that preparations had commenced for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with some aspects of the finishing work at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project despite its advanced stage of completion.

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

He assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure projects are delivered according to approved specifications and timelines.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” the minister added.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has pledged that the will provide critical infrastructure to accelerate development in the newly opened Waru-Pozema District in Abuja.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the government is committed to making the district attractive for residents and real estate developers.

Infrastructure Planned for New Abuja District

The minister explained that the new district, located in Cadastral Zone D16, would receive essential infrastructure such as road networks and public services to enable rapid development.

According to Wike, consultations will be held with the to determine whether the infrastructure plans have already been captured in the 2026 FCT budget.

“Don’t worry, we will do everything we can to provide the needed infrastructure and open up the district so that people can move in,” he said.

Judicial Projects Near Completion

During the inspection tour, Wike also visited several judicial infrastructure projects and expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction.

He revealed that contractors handling the Court of Appeal complex have assured the administration that the project will be completed by May 2026.

The minister added that judges’ residential quarters have already been furnished ahead of their official commissioning.

The housing project includes:

• 10 duplexes for the Federal High Court
• 20 duplexes for the FCT High Court
• 10 duplexes for the Court of Appeal

The facilities are expected to be commissioned as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President ’s administration.

Road Construction Progress in Katampe

Wike also inspected a major road project in the , describing it as a critical route that functions like a ring road within the district.

He commended the contractor, , for the quality and speed of the construction work.

“It’s one of those companies—when they give you their word, you can go to the bank with it,” Wike said.

Call for Unity in PDP

Speaking on national politics, the former governor urged members of the to prioritise reconciliation ahead of discussions about future elections.

He expressed optimism that the party can remain competitive if members approach internal reconciliation with sincerity.

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will on Thursday, September 18, 2025, flag off the construction of 12 new roads and install solar-powered streetlights across major parts of Abuja under the Light Up Abuja programme.

Announcing the development, his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said:

“The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will this week, Thursday, commence the flagging-off of construction of 12 new roads and provision of solar lights in some major areas in the Federal Capital City (FCC) and Expressways under the Light Up Abuja Programme. The Minister will also commission the access roads in Sector Centre B, by Dakibiyu District, and the newly constructed Roads ILS 11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR 24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District.”

Olayinka added that the flag-offs will run until October 16 and will deliver hybrid solar lighting to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Katampe, Jabi, Gudu, the Central Business District, and the Airport Expressway.

“The projects also include the construction of access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project site in Karsana West, provision of access road bypassing Airport Second Runway from Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki Settlement with a four-span bridge, rehabilitation of the 15km Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and provision of engineering infrastructure to outstanding layouts within Guzape,” he said.

Residences for the heads of key courts will also be constructed. Wike has recently launched water expansion projects in Bwari and Karu, a sports centre in Kafe District, a Magistrate Court in Jabi, and the reconstruction of Karu Road.

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