Why I’m Building Houses for Judges on Land Allocated to Julius Berger – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has shed light on his decision to revoke land allocated to Julius Berger in the Katampe District of Abuja, which will now be used for building residences for judges. Wike made this announcement on Monday during the Flag-Off Ceremony for the construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in Abuja.

Addressing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Wike explained the background behind the land revocation.

According to the Minister, the land had been allocated to Julius Berger over 15 years ago, but no development had taken place. Wike described how he personally inspected the area and noticed that it remained undeveloped, despite the allocation.

“I called the Director of Lands to inquire about the ownership of the land, and he confirmed it had been allocated to Julius Berger for nearly two decades without any development,” Wike stated.

The Minister further revealed that he had dinner with the Managing Director of Julius Berger, but did not raise the issue of the land at that time. The following day, a revocation letter was sent to the construction company in the interest of the public.

“When the MD called me, surprised about the revocation after our dinner, I simply responded that we didn’t discuss the land,” Wike said. He emphasized that the government could not allow land to remain undeveloped for such an extended period, adding that the revocation allowed the FCT administration to use the land for critical infrastructure, such as housing for judges.