Wike Pledges More Houses for Judges

Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has announced plans to build 20 additional houses for judges in the capital city before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term.

“We are going to build more houses for the judges of the FCT. I know that the number is such that we can’t carry all at the same time. I believe that before the first tenure of Mr. President, we would have gone far in the construction of 20 more houses for the judges of the FCT,” Wike said at the inauguration of housing units for judges in the FCT.

Addressing criticism over his handling of land administration in the capital, the minister said the housing project was evidence that land revoked by his administration was being put to public use.

“I’m sure most of you would have read on social media when I was being accused of grabbing land. This is part of the land I was grabbing. It’s part of the land I was grabbing,” he said.

According to Wike, the land had been allocated to Julius Berger for more than 30 years but had remained undeveloped due to inadequate infrastructure.

“When I came here, this was Julius Berger’s land. And there are no roads. And then I asked Julius Berger, you have had this land for how many years? Over 30 years. So what are you waiting for?

“He said, there is no infrastructure. I said company like you, no infrastructure, no problem. I’ve taken the land back for overriding public interest.”

The minister said the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) subsequently constructed access roads, paving the way for the housing project.

“We’re going to work very hard to make sure that we get that presidential approval. But if I were the governor, I would just announce immediately. But somebody appointed me to work on his behalf. There are things I cannot just say, even though I’m in support of it,” he added.

“I have somebody who will support me always when it concerns matters of welfare of our judicial officers.”

Wike appealed to judges who would eventually occupy the houses to preserve the facilities, saying proper maintenance would justify further government investment in judicial welfare.

“So please, I beg you, if you are privileged to be one of those that will occupy this house, please let it be that in the next six months when any of us has the opportunity to visit, let it also look nice and attractive.”

“We are going to build more houses for the judges of the FCT…”

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, at the inauguration of new official quarters for High Court Judges, says the occupants must endeavour to maintain the properties. pic.twitter.com/4rtSX2bN1N

— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) July 15, 2026