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22/11/2023

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, inspected some major road projects under construction in Abuja. Accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed and other relevant senior officials of the FCTA, the Minister inspected work progress on the expansion of Outer Southern Expressway, full scope development of the arterial road N20 from the Notrthern Parkway to the ONEX with spurs and the access road to the Body of Benchers complex.

2. the Minister was impressed with the level of work and commended the contractors for the quality and pace of their jobs. He also took some time to interact with ordinary residents within the construction vicinity.

PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF PRESS, FCT MINISTER'S OFFICE)
22/11/2023

22/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT MINISTER MEETS WITH ESTATE DEVELOPERS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS
…VOWS TO SANITIZE THE PROCESS OF C OF O ISSUNACE
1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated the resolve of the FCT Administration to sanitize the process of issuing Certificate of Occupancy, C of O in the FCT.

2. The FCT Minister stated this during an interactive session with Estate Developers and Residents’ Associations in the FCT at the FCDA Conference Hall in Abuja on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

3. In his opening remarks the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Land, urban and Regional Planning who is also the Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Issuance of C of O for Mass Housing and the Recovery of Land Use Contravention fees said the meeting was called at the behest of the FCT Minister in order to resolve disagreement between the Task Force and the developers and residents’ association for the payment of N5 million Naira as fees for the collection of C of Os.

4. The FCT Minister lamented that the issuance of C of O in the FCT was enmeshed in a lot of controversy which sometimes led to crises. He said, “One of the reasons I have stopped signing is because I don’t trust those C of Os they are bringing for me to sign. I don’t want to sign a C of O that has been given to another person.”

5. He therefore vowed that very tough decisions will be taken to resolve the crisis and restore the integrity of the system, however after consideration of requests raised by residents at the meeting, Barrister Wike extended the period of time to pay for the C of O from 3 to 4 months,

6. He reminded the participants at the meeting, that the FCT as a non-oil State relies on revenue generation for development activities and warned that the four-month period would not be extended.

7. He said, “I want to stand firm and tell you this; I’ve ended at four months. It will not go beyond four months.”

8. On the suggestion by the residents that the flat rate of N5 million for the issuance of C of Os should be reviewed to reflect the size and location of the property, the Minister insisted that a C of O is a business and security document which is not necessarily graded according to the size of the property or its location, and insisted that a flat rate of N5 million must be paid for its collection. He however hinted at the possibility of a review of this sum.

9. He said, “If you want to have a C of O, which is a security and business document, it is not graded based on one bedroom flat or two-bedroom flat.

10. The Minister also stated that he will seek the approval of the President for C of Os to be linked to the National Identity Number, NIN for ease of identification and other issues of taxation and security.

11. Also speaking on the prudence adopted in the management of finances, Barrister Wike revealed that the FCT Administration in the last three months has saved not less than N110 billion for the FCT.

12. He said the money will be attached to projects to accelerate their completion.

13. The Minister said, “Three months in office, I can tell you authoritatively, I have saved not less than N110 billion for FCT and this money will be attached to projects so that people will see indeed that the taxes we are paying is being utilized for the interest of the people”.

14. He also disclosed that the FCT would be rolling out its buses and taxi scheme in the next one month, adding that the menace of one-chance would soon be a thing of the past in the FCT

15. “These buses and taxis will ply all the routes in Asokoro, Maitama, we are kicking out Keke Napep at least in these areas. Some of these Keke Napep are agents of criminals”, Barrister Wike said.

16. As part of plans to create more infrastructure in the Area Councils and discourage people from migration into the city, the Minister said, “If we have the buses, people will prefer to come from their areas and come to work and go back”.

17. He therefore urged FCT residents to cooperate with the Administration by paying their taxes in order to improve service delivery.

18. The Minister said, “It is painful but it’s an inconvenience that we must face.”

19. In their separate remarks, the residents commended the FCT Minister over the steps he has taken to sanitize land administration in the FCT.

20. While appealing for the review of the C of O fees, some residents also pleaded with the Minister to consider their plights as civil servants and retirees, who have taken mortgage facilities from the banks and such do not have the funds to pay for the C of Os.

21. Other concerns raised by the residents also include the absence of infrastructure in the Estates, security related issues and other fraudulent practices by estate developers in connivance with some government officials.

22. The meeting was attended by the Senior special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Land, Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Surveyor Michael Chinda, the Executive Director FCDA, Engr. Shehu Ahmad Hadi, Directors, Heads of Agencies and other senior officials of the FCT Administration.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE
DIRECTOR OF PRESS
OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER
21/11/2023

FCTA/ODP/PR/451

PHOTOS

1. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike making his remarks during the interactive meeting with estate developers and residents' associations in Abuja on Tuesday

2.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike stressing a point during the interactive meeting with estate developers and residents' associations in Abuja on Tuesday

3. SSA to the FCT Minister on Land, Urban and Regional Planning, Sir Michael Chinda, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and ES FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed during the interactive meeting with estate developers and residents' associations in Abuja on Tuesday

21/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COMPLETION OF STRATEGIC PROJECTS IN THE FCT

-PROMISES TO ENSURE FUNDING

1. The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to the completion of strategic projects in the Territory within the shortest possible time.

2. Barr. Wike made the affirmation while inspecting some on-going projects within the Federal Capital City (FCC). These projects include the official residence of the Vice President, roads B12, B6, Circle Road, Abuja Central Area as well as Southern Parkway, which is nearing completion

3. The Minister who assured the contractors that the necessary funds would be made available to ensure that the projects are completed by May, 2024, commended the contractors for the quality and pace of work of the projects.

4. Speaking at the official residence of the Vice President, being constructed by Messrs Julius Berger, Barr. Wike said: “You made a promise to us that you will complete this project within 7/8 months. Even though we have not mobilised you, you have shown concern by working.

5. “ It is very important and shows that you have confidence in us. Let me assure you that we will mobilise you before December. After that you have to expedite work to ensure completion before May 29, 2024.

6. “I believe that you have the capacity to achieve that. I also believe there is no need to wait. If you know my antecedent, you know that I don’t make promise I cannot fulfil. As far as I have gotten the support of Mr. President and Vice President, I can tell you go ahead and put everything in hand so that we can achieve this, so that all the stories of abandoned properties will no longer be there. It will be a thing of the past. The manpower shows that you are really serious, so just go ahead and we will give you the funds to be able to mobilise”.

7. The Minister said he had the backing of the President to identify key projects that are deliverable within one year and the projects inspected fall within the category, stressing that the FCTA will continue to fund them.

8. Barr. Wike who lamented the increased cost of executing projects that were awarded years ago but abandoned said this hike in cost was putting a lot of strain on the finances of the FCTA and stunting growth and development of the nation’s capital.

9. He said: “Look at the Vice President’s residence that was awarded in 2010 at the cost of N7 billion. That project was abandoned. And we have called back Julius Berger and say look, can you complete this project within eight months? They said yes but they can’t continue with it at the same cost, which is obvious.

10. “A project that was awarded in 2010 at N7billion and was abandoned because of no funding. They said they cannot do it for less than N15billion, looking at the cost of building materials. We have told them that before the end of the month we will fund them so that they are able to finish it”.

11. .“For me, we are happy because the promises made by Mr President of renewed hope has come back. Residents of Abuja are now seeing that projects abandoned are now being completed and they are seeing a renewed hope for this country and commend Mr President”, he added

12. On the funding for the projects, the Minister said the FCTA is not relying completely on the federation account as the Administration was working on improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund the projects

13. His words: “As I speak to you today, we have done very well in terms of IGR and these monies would be attached to specific projects. So that there is no reason to say there is no money to execute the projects. For example, what we are doing now. We have submitted some projects’ budgets for 2023, Mr President has promised to transmit it to the national assemble

14. “We are asking they should allow us to spend N61billion before 2024 because we have the money and we want to use the money to execute specific projects so that by May 29, these projects are completed, then we take new other projects for 2024. So, be assured that no project we have started will be abandoned”.

15. Other projects to toe this line, according to Barr. Wike, include the Millenium Towers, which, he said, when completed will change not only the Abuja landscape but the economy of the territory as well.

16. The contractors all pledged to deliver their project within the specified timeframe.

17. Present at the inspection tour were. The Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Director, Engineering Services, FCDA, Engr. Ferdinand Obiora Ezeoha and other senior officials of the FCTA.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER

21/11/2023

,

FCTA/ODP/PR/460

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (middle) during his inspection of the construction of the Southern Parkway, Abuja on Tuesday

2. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (4th left) during his inspection of the construction of the Southern Parkway in Abuja on Tuesday

3 Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike during the Minister's inspection of the Vice President's residence under construction on Tuesday.

4. L-R: Engr Oliver Berger of Julius Berger, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike and the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed during the Minister's visit to the minister's visit to the Vice President's residence under construction in Abuja on Tuesday

5 FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (middle) flanked by Enger Oliver Berger of Julius Berger (Nig) Plc and the ES, FCDA, Enger Shehu Hadi Ahmed (right) during the Minister's tour of projects on Tuesday

19/11/2023

Wike, Fubara, Makinde woo foreign investors
*FCT ready to provide land, security- Minister

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, Simi Fubara, and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde,
on Friday, called on foreign investors to consider their domains when picking locations for setting up their companies in Nigeria.

Wike, Fubara and Makinde spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the opening of Hypercity 3, a chain store in Nigeria on Saturday.

Wike said government alone cannot provide jobs for Nigeria’s teaming youths, unless the private sector steps in.

He promised to provide lands and the conducive environment for investors to thrive in the Territory and contribute to the development of the nation’s capital.

Wike said: “When I got the invitation, I pleaded with the management to move it to Friday so I can attend. When you approached me as governor, you promised to build this place.

“As a government, our duty is to provide the conducive environment. You promised to build four. Within one year, you’ve built three. You’ve provided employment for our people.

“It is not only government that can bring development. Let it not be only that it is only in Rivers State. Come to Abuja and build some there. We’ll provide lands.”

Rivers State Governor, Fubara on his part, said: “It is now on record that when Hypercity 3 was commissioned, I was also part of it. Our desire when we came onboard was to continue to uplift the development of the State based on consolidation.

“This is adding value to the economy of Rivers State. As a government, we will continue to give you security and all you need to succeed. This is because government cannot do it alone. Private organisations need to join hands for the development of the state. The organisation should also expand to FCT and other places".

Oyo State counterpart who made a similar appeal, noted: “I’ve also told the MD of Hypercity that I will give him land free and tax holiday and I will also provide security for you. Oyo state is the gateway of the Southwestern part of Nigeria. This will also boost the economy of Oyo State.”

Ends…

Photos

1. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and MD Hypercity, Sunny Chala during the commissioning ceremony of Hypercity 3 in Port Harcourt on Friday, November 17, 2023.

2. Rivers State Governor, Simi Fubara, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, MD, Hypercity, Sunny Chala at the commissioning of Hypercity 3 in Port Harcourt on Friday, November 17, 2023

17/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCTA, DAEWOO SEEK AVENUE FOR COOPERATION

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed the desire of the FCT Administration to partner with South Korean company, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, for the development of the nation’s capital.

2. The FCT Minister made this disclosure, when he received the Chairman of Daewoo E & C, WonJu Jung who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

3. The Minister noted that Nigeria and South Korea have always had a good and robust relationship and expressed the desire of the FCT Administration to continue in this regard by partnering with the company in any area of mutual interest.

4. Speaking on the friendly investment climate in the country, Barrister Wike disclosed that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken steps to remove the bottlenecks to allow investors to come into the country.

5. He stressed that the priority of the FCT Administration is to also work towards the realization of the eight-priority agenda of the President and assured that the FCT is ready to provide the conducive environment for Daewoo to invest in the Federal Capital Territory.

6. According to the FCT Minister, “For the FCT, we are willing to cooperate with Daewoo in whichever area you want us to partner, whether in terms of automobiles, in terms of skill acquisition, in which we are interested or in terms of any other thing you think is of interest that will expand the economy.

7. “Now, we don’t have many obstacles, unlike before. The present administration is business all the way. Anything that will open the economy, anything that will expand the economy, anything that will encourage job creation, that is what we are in for.”

8. The FCT Minister also informed that the investment policy of the FCT Administration is to agree on something practical and achievable, rather than just making general statements about intent, which may not be pursued to conclusion.

9. He said, “My policy has always been that we must concretize everything we are talking about, not just mere visits that we are willing to partner and at the end of the day, we don’t see anything.

10. “Let us be practical and see which area we are going into. Do we need to visit Daewoo in South Korea and see how we can sign a memorandum of understanding so that everybody will know that this is what we agreed, this is what we are coming for, and then we make sure that at the end of the day it is achievable.

11. “Having general interest to invest in Nigeria is a general statement. For me as the FCT Minister, my interest is to develop Abuja and make it more attractive as a tourist centre.

12. “So, if you say that you want to invest in tourism, you want to build a five-star hotel, I will say okay, which role are we going to play? We assure you we are ready. We will give what expanse of land you need and a timeframe to develop the five-star hotel.”

13. Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Daewoo E & C, WonJu Jung, noted that the company has had an outstanding relationship with Nigeria, spanning 45 years, and added that he is in the FCT to explore opportunities for investments.

14. The Chairman who spoke through an interpreter said the FCT, under the leadership of Barrister Wike, has a bright future and presents a good opportunity for investors.

15. He therefore expressed the strong interest of Daewoo to be part of this future by investing in the FCT, adding that the company also has investments in the US and is currently exploring other avenues in Canada and Vietnam.

16. The Chairman said he would also like to see a continuous, aggressive and positive relationship between Nigeria and Korea and between Nigerian Construction companies and Daewoo Construction to maintain a continuously bright future.

17. Also at the event were the Hon Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Executive Vice President, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, Seung Han, MD, Daewoo E and C Nig, TaeWon Jung, Country Chairman, Daewoo E and C Chief Joseph Penawou, and Steve Ko Executive Director (Technical) Daewoo E and C.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

16/11/2023

PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Wonju Jung Global Chairman, Daewoo Engineering and Construction with the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the visit of the Daewoo Chairman to the FCTA on Thursday

2. Wonju Jung Global Chairman, Daewoo Engineering and Construction being welcomed by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the visit of the Daewoo Chairman to the FCTA on Thursday

3. L-R: Seung Han, Executive Vice President, Daewoo Engineering and Construction, TaeWon Jubg, MD, Daewoo Eand C Nig, Wonju Jung, Global Chairman Daewoo E and C, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Chief Joseph Penawou Country Chairman, Daewoo E and C, Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon Minister of State for Petroleum, and Steve Ko Executive Director Technical Daewoo E and C during the visit of the Daewoo delegation to the FCTA on Thursday.

17/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER INAUGURATES TASK FORCE ON ISSUANCE OF C OF O FOR MASS HOUSING PROJECTS, RECOVERY OF LAND USE

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, inaugurated a Task Force on the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for mass housing developments and recovery of land use contravention fees in the FCT.

2. The Task Force which has one moth month to conclude its assignment is chaired by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, and Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Surveyor Michael O. Chinda, while the Executive Secretary, FCDA, will serve as its Secretary.

3. Other members of the Task Force are the Director, Department of Land, Director AGIS, Director, Department of Development Control, Director Department of Mass Housing, Director, Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Director, Department of Surveying and Mapping.

4. According to the FCT Minister, the purpose of setting up the Task Force is to ensure that each of the houses in the Mass Housing Estates in the FCT are granted Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)to be paid for by the allottees.

5. The Task Force is also charged with the task of ensuring that allottees who have contravened land use in the FCT, pay penalties to serve as deterrence. The FCT Minister lamented that a lot of residential allocations in the FCT have been converted to commercial purposes.

6. He explained in as much as the FCT is seeking to generate revenue to finance projects, it must also ensure that development activities are done in a controlled manner in line with the provisions of law.

7. In the words of the FCT Minister, “The purpose of setting up the Task force is to make sure that all the Mass Housing, each of the houses own C of O and they have to pay for it. And then those who have contravened land use, those that were given approval for residential and converted it to commercial, those who have been given for commercial and they contravened by building residential, there must be penalties. And the only way people will be deterred from doing this is to make sure that we discourage them and discouraging them means that if you want to do it, you have a penalty to pay and that penalty must be severe.”

8. The FCT Minister also directed the Task Force to make provisions for land allottees in the Area Councils who do not have certificates of occupancy for their plots to enable them get the land documents. He directed the Committee to advertise what is to be paid to enable them obtain the documents.

9. Frowning at situations where hectares of land are allocated for mass housing development but the developers turn around to sell off the plots, he charged the Task Force to be diligent in its actions, adding that he will personally monitor its activities.

10.The Minister also disclosed that the Zenith Bank Plc has been mandated to provide the enabling funds for the activities of the Task Force and funds collected in the via the task force will be deposited in the bank.

11.Barrister Wike further warned that he would not entertain any pleas by defaulters when the Committee begins its assignment, noting that the FCT as a non-oil state, relies on internally generated revenue to carry out development projects.

12.He said, “I’m not interested in who did not comply. I don’t want anybody to write to me that please, the Task Force came, help me. I’m not going to do that. Even if I minute to you, don’t act on it. Pressure can come all over. So, even if you see my minute saying please treat, put it aside because Nigerians like to put pressure.”

13.Speaking on behalf of the task force, the Chairman, ESV Michael Chinda, assured that the Task Team will carry out the assignment with precision, diligence and high level of professionalism.

14.The Chairman also commended the FCT Minister for taking steps to sanitize land administration in the FCT and ensuring that land allottees are provided with requisite titles.

15.He said, “We know that Certificate of occupancy is an indispensable requirement for land ownership. The land belongs to government and someone cannot be on government land in perpetuity. You have to legalize your stay and this should be a cheery news for property owners in Abuja.”

16.Noting that the distortion of Abuja masterplan, if allowed, will encourage indiscriminate development activities, ESV Chinda warned that the Task Force will not spare anyone that is found to have contravened land use in the FCT.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

14/11/2023

PHOTOGRAPHS

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike inaugurating the Task Force on Issuance of C of O for Mass Housing Projects and Recovery of Land Use Contravention Fees in his office on Tuesday

2 Chairman of the Task Force FCTA Task Force on Issuance of C of O for Mass Housing Projects and Recovery of Land Use Contravention Fees ESV Micael Chinda (1st left) with officials of Zenith Bank and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (1st right) during the inauguration of the Task Force on Monday.

14/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE

FCT MINISTER RECEIVES UAE AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA
..Seeks partnership in tourism development

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called for cooperation and partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop Abuja’s tourism potentials.

2. The FCT Minister made the call when he received the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday, November 13, 2023.

3. The Minister noted that the UAE has become a tourist centre of the world and expressed the desire of the FCT to also improve its tourism potentials in partnership with the UAE.

4. Responding to the revelation by the ambassador that President Bola Amed Tinubu will be visiting the UAE soon, the Minister informed the Ambassador that the FCT Administration will be part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation to the UAE to seek foreign investments, adding that the FCT also intends to complement the efforts of the President in the area of tourism.

5. He said, “I know the President, for him governance is business. For him, whatever that is going to make Nigeria great is what he stands for and so we are here as his foot soldiers to complement his efforts to see that the Renewed Hope agenda is fulfilled,”

6. Barrister Wike also spoke on the lingering issue of travel bans and flight restrictions imposed on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates.

7. The Minister said Nigerians love the UAE, especially Dubai, and called for a quick resolution of the process of Visa allocation, which he noted was becoming too cumbersome and therefore hindering smooth relations.

8. He said, “We also hope that the issue of visa ban and flight restriction of the United Emirates will be resolved as soon as possible. Nigerians love UAE, Dubai especially. We believe that we will not have hindrance in terms of visa procurement.”

9. In his response, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Al-Shamsi stated that Nigeria and UAE have a lot in common but explained that the travel restrictions were introduced to close existing gaps.

10.Disclosing that the door to the UAE was not entirely closed to Nigerians, the Envoy said “Regarding the VISA issue, I would say that the door is not closed, but it’s not widely open We issue a lot of visa daily. A lot of people from Nigeria go to the UAE and come back with very easy access to get the visa”

11.Also at the event were the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Dauda, the Secretary, Economic Planning Revenue Generation and PPP Secretariat, Mr Charles Elechi and senior officials of the embassy.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

13/11/2023

PHOTOS

1. UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Salem Saeed Al Shamsi and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the envoy's visit to the Minister, on Monday

2. UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Salem Saeed Al Shamsi presenting a gift to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the envoy's visit to the Minister, on Monday

3. L-R: SSA to the FCT Minister on Legal and Multilateral Matter, Barrister Benedict Dauda, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Salem Saeed Al Shamsi FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, UAE Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Humaid Abdulla and the Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP Secretariat, Mr Charles Elechi during the envoy;s courtesy visit to the FCTA on Monday.

4.FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (3rd left) presenting a gift to the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Salem Saeed Al Shamsi (2nd left) flanked by SSA to the FCT Minister on Legal and Multilateral Matter, Barrister Benedict Dauda,(1st left) UAE Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Humaid Abdulla (2nd right) and the Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP Secretariat, Mr Charles Elechi (1st right) during the envoy's courtesy visit to the FCTA on Monday.

14/11/2023

FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT JUDICIARY GETS A BOOST AS WIKE SETS PLAN IN MOTION TO IMPROVE COURT FACILITIES, JUDGES WELFARE

1. The FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration was committed to fostering an environment that supports the judiciary for the proper dispensation of justice

2. The Minister stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2023 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts of Record, held, November 13, 2023 at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

3. Barr. Wike explained that the move was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda towards ensuring that the judiciary work in an environment that supports delivery of justice without any fear or favour.

4. To that effect, Barrister Wike said the President Tinubu has directed the setting up of a new Court of Appeal division for the FCT, which would to be completed in the next 15 months, as well as the construction of houses for High and magistrate court judges in the FCT.

5. He said: “In the FCTA we are committed to fostering an environment that supports the judiciary in dispensing justice without fear and favour. We recognise the importance of a well-equipped and adequate staff force as well as the need for continuous education to ensure that our judges are abreast of the latest development in jurisprudence.

6. “I am pleased to report that efforts are underway to enhance the infrastructure of our court facilities, including welfare of judicial officers. The President has directed that we should with immediate effect construct a new Court of Appeal division of Abuja and that must be completed in 15 months.

7. “And the President also directed that we should construct houses for the FCT judges and magistrates in Abuja and also directed that judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Court of Appeal in Abuja division must be given new quarters”, he added.

8. He commended the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for its commitment in providing a platform for judges across the country to converge, exchange ideas and engage in substantive discussions on pressing legal issues.

9. Barr Wike added that, “While it (the conference) remains one of the most anticipated events for judges in Nigeria, it also provides a platform for them to stay abreast of evolving legal issues, share best practices and collectively strategize on ways to enhance the administration of justice in Nigeria”.

10. In his keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors of the NJI, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola stressed that the conference remains one of the most strategic and serves the dual purpose of stock-taking and visioning.

11. The CJN also urged judges to always strive for excellence in the discharge of their duties, saying that, “Justice should not only be done but must be seen to be done”.

12. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, while commending the NJI for the event said that the Nigeria Judiciary has evolved and called on judicial officers to always live above board at all times.

13. The conference which has the theme: “Strengthening Judicial Commitments to the Rule of Law and Democracy”, had judges from the superior courts, other judicial officers, lawmakers, Ministers, heads of security agencies and members of the diplomatic community in attendance.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER

13/11/2023

1. Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike and President Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem during the 2023 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday

2. NBA President Barrister Yakubu Maikyau, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the 2023 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday

3. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike conversing with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola during the 2023 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday. in the background are the NBA President Barrister Yakubu Maikyau, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi

t4. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike reading his address at the 2023 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja on Monday

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
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