Wike’s Bold Move: Revoking Julius Berger’s Land to Create Homes for Judges
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed the details of how he revoked the certificate of occupancy for plots of land in Abuja’s Katampe District that had been allocated to the German construction firm Julius Berger.
Wike shared this information during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in the capital on Monday, which was attended by notable figures, including Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and President of the Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.
He noted that 70% of the funding for the project has already been released following its approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. Of the 40 units being constructed, 20 will be designated for the FCT High Court, while 10 each will go to the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Wike emphasized that providing housing for judges after retirement protects them from external influences and temptations.
While addressing the Chief Justice, he recounted how the land was obtained. “When we were searching for land, I came across this vacant lot marked ‘Julius Berger.’ After learning that the land had been idle for 15 to 20 years, I decided to take action.”
Wike described his meeting with the managing director of Julius Berger, saying, “Although we had dinner, I didn’t mention the land. The next day, he found the revocation letter in my office and was surprised, noting our earlier dinner. I reminded him that we didn’t discuss the land.”
He concluded by stating, “It’s unacceptable for the government to allocate land for over two decades without any development. Thankfully, we now have the opportunity to utilize it.”
