The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the recently completed housing project for judicial officers is solely intended to enhance welfare and improve living conditions, not to interfere with or influence the independence of the judiciary.
Wike made the statement during the commissioning of newly constructed residential quarters for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja. He explained that the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to strengthen public institutions by improving the welfare of key office holders, particularly those in the justice sector.
He stressed that providing decent and secure accommodation for judges is aimed at supporting their efficiency and ensuring they can carry out their duties in a conducive environment. According to him, better welfare packages are essential for maintaining professionalism and productivity within the judiciary.
The Minister also dismissed concerns suggesting that the housing project could compromise judicial independence, insisting that welfare support should not be misinterpreted as political or institutional interference.
The project, executed within the Federal Capital Territory, forms part of ongoing efforts by the government to upgrade critical infrastructure and improve service delivery across public institutions.
The residential quarters were built for members of the Court of Appeal, one of the country’s key appellate courts responsible for reviewing decisions from lower courts and ensuring the fair administration of justice.
Wike reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary through improved welfare systems while upholding the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
He added that enhancing the working environment of judicial officers remains a strategic step toward achieving faster, more efficient, and more reliable justice delivery in Nigeria.
