By Philip Yatai
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the ongoing construction of three Magistrate Courts in parts of the FCT would be completed in June.
Wike gave the assurance when he inspected the projects sited in Asokoro, Jabi and Garki Districts, Abuja on Friday.
He explained that the projects were critical “presidential interventions” aimed at ensuring the judiciary does not lack the necessary space to dispense justice effectively.
At the Asokoro project, the minister noted technical difficulties posed by the terrain, but expressed optimism that the challenge would be surmounted.
At the Jabi and Garki sites, where the foundation for the courts were laid in late 2025, Wike praised the rapid pace of the project.
“You can see how far this has gone. I’m very pleased with the quality of the job,” he remarked.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Wike-led FCT Administration is equally constructing 40 housing units for FCT High Court Judges, Federal High Court Judges and Court of Appeal Judges.
The development had raised concerns from critics who argued that the move was an attempt to influence the independence judiciary.
However, Wike, who dismissed the claim, said that the efforts, directed by President Bola Tinubu, were intended to provide accommodation and more courtrooms to improve the welfare and efficiency of the third arm of government.
According to him, the executive has a responsibility to support all arms of government.
“The judicial arm of government is very critical in ensuring prompt administration of justice. There’s no particular reason we must pay attention to one sector and leave other critical sectors unattended to.
“Also, the judicial interventions are part of a broader push for development in the FCT, which includes road projects, school renovations, and improvement of the health sector,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
