Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended the construction of housing projects for judges, dismissing concerns that the initiative could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said providing accommodation and improved facilities for judicial officers should not be misconstrued as political interference.
The projects include residential quarters for judges, a new division of the Court of Appeal, and proposed housing developments for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Wike also accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of inconsistency, amid criticism surrounding the projects, arguing that support for judicial welfare should not suddenly become controversial when driven by the government.
The minister maintained that strengthening judicial infrastructure is aimed at improving efficiency and welfare within the justice system, not compromising its autonomy.
The remarks come amid renewed debate in Nigeria over the balance between executive support for the judiciary and the need to preserve institutional independence.
