Tag: FCT

  • Tinubu Commissions 10 Luxury Duplexes for Court of Appeal Justices in Abuja, Sparks Debate Over Judicial Welfare

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a new residential estate for Justices of the Court of Appeal in Katampe District, Abuja, comprising 10 fully furnished five-bedroom duplexes with boys’ quarters. The project, delivered under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, is aimed at improving housing and welfare conditions for judicial officers in the country.

    The development is part of ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen the judiciary through improved infrastructure and living conditions for judges.

    Judicial Housing Project Unveiled in Abuja

    The estate was executed by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike and is designed to address longstanding housing challenges faced by judicial officers in the capital.

    Officials say the initiative is intended to enhance security, comfort, and independence of the judiciary, with similar housing projects planned for other categories of judges within the FCT judiciary system.

    Tinubu, represented at the commissioning, described the project as a necessary investment in democratic governance, stressing that judicial independence is tied not only to laws and institutions but also to the welfare of judicial officers.

    He noted that providing secure and decent housing would help improve efficiency within the justice system while reducing external pressures on judges.

    Wike Expands Judicial Housing Programme

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the Katampe estate forms part of a broader judicial housing programme that will also accommodate Federal High Court and FCT High Court judges in phases.

    He said the land for the project was recovered from private interests after remaining undeveloped for over 15 years and maintained that the initiative is strictly for welfare purposes.

    Wike also announced plans for further housing projects, with additional judicial residences expected to be commissioned in the coming months as part of a wider infrastructure push.

    Reactions and Public Debate

    The commissioning has generated mixed reactions across political and public spaces.

    Supporters of the initiative say it represents a necessary reform step that will improve judicial independence by ensuring judges are not exposed to housing-related challenges or vulnerabilities.

    However, critics have raised concerns over the timing and optics of providing luxury accommodation for judges at a time of economic hardship in the country. Some commentators have questioned whether such gestures could influence perceptions of judicial neutrality.

    Despite the criticism, government officials insist the project is strictly an institutional reform measure aimed at strengthening the justice system.

    Judicial Reform and Infrastructure Push

    The commissioning forms part of a wider series of judicial infrastructure projects in Abuja, including new court complexes and residential developments intended to improve working conditions for judicial officers.

    Authorities say the broader goal is to ensure that the judiciary is well-supported to function independently and efficiently under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

  • Bayo Onanuga Warns Social Media Users After Arrest Over Abuja Security Scare

    Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga has warned that individuals who use social media to spread panic and disinformation will face consequences after the arrest of a man accused of triggering a security scare in Abuja.

    Onanuga disclosed the development via his X account, stating that authorities had apprehended a suspect linked to a false alarm about an impending security breach in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Suspect Accused of Spreading False Security Alert

    According to the presidential aide, the suspect allegedly circulated misleading information suggesting that Abuja was under imminent security threat.

    The false alert reportedly generated widespread fear among residents and disrupted normal activities, including academic programmes in some neighbouring communities.

    Presidency Backs Police Action

    Reacting to the incident, Onanuga stressed that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, the deliberate spread of false information capable of creating panic would not be tolerated.

    He noted that law enforcement agencies would continue to act against individuals whose actions undermine public trust and national security.

    The presidential spokesman maintained that misinformation, particularly on sensitive security matters, poses serious risks to public order and social stability.

    Call for Responsible Use of Social Media

    The Presidency urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, especially reports relating to security concerns.

    Citizens were also advised to rely on verified sources and official channels for updates on security matters rather than unconfirmed social media posts.

    Authorities said the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals who intentionally spread false narratives capable of causing fear and confusion among members of the public.

  • Abuja Motorist Confronts Herdsman Over Cows Blocking Express Road Amid Insecurity Claims

    A heated exchange broke out in Abuja after a commuter confronted a herdsman whose cattle were blocking movement on a busy express road, a situation captured in a viral video now circulating online.

    The incident, which occurred along a major route in the Federal Capital Territory, shows the motorist recording the obstruction before being approached by the herdsman in a tense confrontation.

    Cows Disrupt Movement on Busy Abuja Road

    The commuter was driving when he came across a herd of cows occupying part of the expressway, causing traffic disruption and slowing down movement along the road.

    He began recording the scene as vehicles lined up behind the cattle, drawing attention to the obstruction on the busy route.

    The situation escalated when the herdsman approached the vehicle and challenged him over the recording.

    “You Can Film Me, Not My Cows” — Herdsman Insists

    In the video, the herdsman ordered the motorist to stop filming the cattle, insisting that while he could be recorded, the animals should not be.

    “You can film me but you cannot film my cows,” he said during the confrontation.

    He also questioned why the driver was focusing on the animals instead of allowing him to move them off the road.

    Insecurity Blamed for Roadside Grazing

    When asked why the cattle were not taken into the bush, the herdsman attributed the situation to insecurity, claiming that forests had become unsafe due to armed bandits.

    He said herders were now forced to move cattle along public roads because grazing areas were no longer safe.

    He maintained that the situation was beyond his control, citing the absence of security in rural grazing environments.

    Public Reaction to Viral Video

    The video has sparked mixed reactions online, with some users criticising the disruption of traffic on a major expressway, while others pointed to insecurity as a driving factor behind the movement of cattle on public roads.

    The incident adds to ongoing national conversations around road safety, livestock movement, and insecurity-linked displacement of rural activities.

    Authorities have yet to issue an official response as the video continues to spread online, raising renewed questions about regulation and enforcement on public highways.

  • Peter Obi Stops Airport Fight, Calms Drivers During Heated Parking Clash

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred reactions online after a video surfaced showing him intervening in a dispute between two drivers at an airport.

    The incident reportedly happened while Obi was leaving the airport and noticed two men engaged in a heated confrontation over parking and vehicle clamping.

    Obi steps in to restore calm

    According to eyewitness accounts shared online, the former Anambra State governor immediately instructed his driver to stop after noticing the argument.

    “Without hesitation, Peter Obi instructed his driver to stop. He stepped out of the vehicle, approached them calmly, and pleaded with them to embrace peace instead of conflict,” a witness stated.

    The intervention reportedly helped de-escalate the situation and prevented further tension at the scene.

    Video sparks reactions online

    The viral clip has generated mixed reactions across social media, with supporters praising Obi’s calm approach and willingness to engage directly with ordinary Nigerians.

    Others described the gesture as another example of his hands-on public style.

    Not his first public intervention

    This is not the first time Obi has been seen carrying out similar acts in public spaces.

    In December 2025, he was spotted directing traffic during a major gridlock in Anambra State, where he stood on the road helping motorists navigate congestion.

    Months earlier, he also attracted attention after serving food to attendees at an event in Imo State.

    At the time, critics described the act as political branding, but Obi explained that many of the less privileged guests requested that he personally serve them.

  • Wike Fires Back After Pastor’s Emotional Plea Over Jabi Lake

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reacted to a viral appeal by Pastor Sarah Omakwu, dismissing emotional pressure over the proposed development of the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.

    The response came during his Wednesday media briefing, days after the cleric publicly pleaded against any private takeover of the site.

    Pastor’s plea sparks public attention

    Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, had gone on her knees in a video, urging the minister not to allocate the lake area to private interests.

    “I cannot fight the minister… but I go on my knees… that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    The emotional appeal quickly gained traction online.

    “I’m not moved by emotions” — Wike replies

    Reacting, Wike said governance cannot be driven by sentiment, stressing that not everyone will agree with government decisions.

    “I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy,” he said.

    He questioned the basis of the claim, asking who owns the lake and why individuals would assume control over public assets.

    Concerns over current state of the area

    Wike explained that the location had previously been allocated to a company for development but had deteriorated into what he described as shanties.

    He said the condition of the area raised security and environmental concerns.

    “There is a hotel there… who would come and stay when there are shanties all over? You don’t know if there are criminals,” he added.

    Debate over public space and development

    The exchange has sparked wider conversations about urban development, public access, and government decision-making in the FCT.

    While some support redevelopment efforts, others insist the lake should remain a public recreational space.

  • Pastor Kneels, Begs Wike Not to Hand Over Jabi Lake for Private Development

    Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

    In a video shared on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a direct appeal, urging the minister to preserve the space for public use.

    Emotional appeal from the pulpit

    Omakwu said she chose not to confront the minister but instead appealed as a concerned citizen and mother.

    “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT… but I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    She described the area as a vital social and economic space for residents.

    “Leave it for the people”

    According to the cleric, the recreation centre serves multiple purposes, from exercise and relaxation to social gatherings and small-scale business activities.

    “That is where people go for exercise… where people meet, interact, and even get married,” she said, urging the minister to allow continued public access.

    She also expressed concern over shrinking public spaces in Abuja, noting that several previously accessible locations have become restricted over time.

    Acknowledges Wike’s projects

    Despite her concerns, Omakwu commended Wike for infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

    “I want to thank you for the highways… you have made movement easier,” she said, while maintaining her appeal over the Jabi Lake issue.

    Development plans already underway

    The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed agreements with private firms to redevelop Jabi Lake into a major recreational hub.

    Authorities say the initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and repositioning Abuja as a destination for leisure and economic activities.

    The situation has since drawn attention, with residents and stakeholders watching closely for the government’s next move.

  • Wike Bags ‘Hasken Abuja’ Title from FCT Traditional Rulers

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” by the FCT Traditional Rulers Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s capital.

    Traditional rulers honour Wike

    The title was bestowed on Thursday by the council led by the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, during a ceremony attended by key stakeholders.

    The monarchs said the honour reflects Wike’s efforts in driving visible development across Abuja since assuming office as FCT Minister.

    Recognition for infrastructure push

    According to the council, the minister has made notable strides in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, housing projects, and bridge development.

    His administration has also focused on opening up previously inaccessible rural roads to ease movement and improve connectivity within the FCT.

    Growing profile in Abuja leadership

    The conferment adds to Wike’s rising profile within the FCT, as his policies and projects continue to attract attention from both residents and traditional institutions.

    Observers say the recognition underscores the role of traditional rulers in acknowledging government performance at the grassroots level.

  • Wike Waives C-of-O Fees for Nigerian Law School Bwari, Orders One-Week Processing Deadline

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved a waiver on Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees for the Nigerian Law School campus in Bwari, Abuja, while also directing the rapid processing of the document within one week.

    Law School raises concerns over infrastructure gaps

    The decision followed an appeal by the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Dr. Olugbemisola Odusote, during a management meeting with the minister in Abuja, where she highlighted the poor state of infrastructure and long-standing deficits at the institution.

    Wike reportedly expressed surprise that the Law School had operated for years without a formal C of O since its relocation to Bwari, describing the situation as unacceptable for a federal institution of such importance.

    Immediate waiver and strict directive issued

    The FCT Minister directed the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to waive all processing fees for the Certificate of Occupancy and ensure that the documentation is completed without delay.

    He further instructed that the C of O must be fully processed and ready within one week, stressing the need to regularise land ownership for government institutions operating in the territory.

    Wike also noted that addressing such gaps was part of ongoing reforms aimed at correcting administrative lapses across the FCT.

    Emergency upgrade for staff housing and facilities

    Beyond the land documentation issue, the minister declared an “emergency” on the construction of staff quarters and related infrastructure within the Law School, citing the need to improve living and learning conditions.

    He confirmed that 10 existing staff quarters are already completed and scheduled for commissioning as part of the President’s third anniversary activities, while also approving the construction of an additional 10 units using existing designs to reduce costs.

    Wike explained that the intervention was aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving staff efficiency within the institution.

    New auditorium and broader education support

    The minister also approved funding for a new auditorium at the campus, questioning delays from the contractor and urging immediate mobilisation to site.

    He said the interventions align with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen legal education and improve institutional infrastructure across the country.

    Wike reiterated the government’s commitment, stating, “Anything we can do to help our children, we are willing to do that. The staff quarters must be treated as an emergency project to ensure rapid delivery.”

    The development adds to ongoing updates in latest Nigerian news and continues to feature in breaking news Nigeria today reports across federal infrastructure reforms.