Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday, dismissed criticisms by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the construction of residential quarters for judges and justices, insisting that the projects would not in any way undermine the independence of the judiciary.

Wike, who spoke during an inspection of ongoing judicial projects in Abuja, particularly faulted the NBA leadership for questioning the motive behind the intervention, describing the criticism as unfortunate and hypocritical.

The minister maintained that the provision of official residences for judicial officers was part of efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to improve the welfare and working conditions of the judiciary.

According to him, the executive arm of government has over the years undertaken several projects for the judiciary without any suggestion that such interventions compromised judicial independence.

“We have built public houses, both for the National Assembly and for the judiciary. The Supreme Court was built by us here. So, there is nothing new. The mere fact that the executive constructs does not mean that that will lead to interference in the judiciary,” he said.

Wike stated that the FCTA would not be distracted by criticisms from the NBA, adding that the administration remained committed to fulfilling all promises made regarding judicial infrastructure in the nation’s capital.

He also accused the NBA of double standards, noting that the association routinely sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities, yet raised concerns when government embarked on welfare projects for judicial officers.

“It is not for the NBA chairman to comment on what the executive is doing. All he is interested in is when they will go and apply for state government to sponsor NBA activities. Is that not interfering?” he queried.

The minister argued that if government sponsorship of NBA programmes had not affected the association’s independence, there was no basis for claims that housing projects for judges would erode the autonomy of the judiciary.

“If the government and this is a voluntary act of government, that act of government would make them not independent, then why has government funding not eroded the independence of the NBA?” he asked.

Wike explained that the FCTA had directed the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to ensure that the housing projects were completed to provide judges and justices with conducive accommodation that would enable them focus on their duties.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through its President Afam Osigwe, had strongly criticized the construction and gifting of residential quarters to judges by the executive arm, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The NBA argues this practice erodes judicial independence and integrity, portraying judges as beneficiaries of political patronage.
 NBA President Afam Osigwe had stated last Monday (April 2026) that having politicians build houses or gift cars to judges creates a “terrible perception” of closeness between the executive and judiciary, undermining public trust.

The NBA argued that if judges need housing, the funds should be in the judicial budget rather than provided via politicians, which makes judges appear to be “doing [the executive] a favor” by accepting them.

This criticism follows projects led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who in late 2024 began construction on 40 judges’ quarters in Abuja, clarifying that these properties would belong to the judges upon retirement.

During the minister’s inspection on Friday, he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the judges’ quarters, which he described as “beautiful” and “well furnished,” adding that the facilities were almost ready for inauguration as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

He particularly commended the quality of finishing in the residences, saying the projects reflected the administration’s commitment to quality delivery.

The minister also inspected the proposed site for the groundbreaking ceremony of residential quarters for judges of the National Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal