By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed concerns that the provision of residential accommodation and office complexes for judicial officers by the executive arm of government could undermine judicial independence.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure and road projects ahead of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, Wike described criticisms from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as unfounded and contradictory.
The minister was reacting to remarks reportedly made by NBA President, Afam Osigwe, who expressed concerns that the construction of court buildings and provision of official vehicles for judges by the executive could compromise the independence of the judiciary.
Rejecting the claims, Wike argued that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has long provided infrastructure for independent institutions without interfering in their operations.
“The Supreme Court complex was built by the FCDA. Even the National Assembly and INEC offices were built by the FCDA. That does not mean the executive controls them,” he stated.
According to him, President Tinubu had directed the FCT Administration to provide improved working and living conditions for judicial officers to enable them concentrate fully on their constitutional responsibilities.
“The mere fact that the executive constructs these facilities does not amount to interference. We are focused on delivering these projects and we will continue,” the minister said.
Wike also accused the NBA leadership of double standards, noting that the association regularly receives support from government institutions for its activities without questioning its own independence.
He cited the forthcoming NBA conference in Rivers State, which he said had benefited from support from the state government.
“You cannot collect funding from government for NBA activities and still argue that support for the judiciary erodes independence. That position is contradictory,” he added.
On the inspected projects, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded at the Judges’ Quarters project, disclosing that the facility was about 99 per cent complete and ready for inauguration.
However, he raised concerns over some finishing works at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and directed the contractor to make necessary corrections before the official commissioning.
“I pointed out some areas that need improvement. There is still time for them to make amendments before inauguration,” Wike noted.
The minister further revealed that the FCT Administration would soon commence the construction of official residences for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal as part of efforts to strengthen judicial infrastructure in the capital city.
On road infrastructure, Wike commended Julius Berger for completing the Arterial Road N5 project linking Life Camp to Dei-Dei, adding that an additional 800-metre stretch would be connected to improve accessibility within the corridor.
Addressing environmental sanitation in Abuja, the minister ruled out the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise, insisting that residents should embrace cleanliness as a daily civic responsibility rather than a once-a-month routine.
He also disclosed that the administration is reviewing proposals for waste recycling plants aimed at converting refuse into useful products as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable waste management across the FCT.
Edited by Chukwunonso Arinzechi
