Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday defended the construction of houses for judges and justices in Abuja, dismissing concerns that the projects could compromise the independence of the judiciary.

Wike spoke after inspecting ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including judges’ residences, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division and proposed residential projects for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The minister’s remarks followed criticisms reportedly raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over executive involvement in the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary.

Rejecting the concerns, Wike argued that government provision of facilities for judicial officers was neither new nor a threat to judicial autonomy.

He said: “The mere fact that the executive constructs buildings does not mean it will interfere with the judiciary.

READ ALSO:2027: Wike Opens Up On Preferred Rivers Guber Candidate

“We have built public houses for the National Assembly and for the judiciary before. The Supreme Court was built by government. So there is nothing new in this.”

Wike accused the NBA leadership of inconsistency, alleging that the association frequently sought financial support from state governments for its conferences and activities while criticising government interventions in the judiciary.

“All they are interested in is when state governments will sponsor NBA activities. If governments fund their conferences, does that mean they are no longer independent?” he queried.

He maintained that the FCT Administration would not be distracted from implementing projects designed to improve the welfare and working conditions of judges and justices.

“This is a voluntary act by government to make judicial officers comfortable and focused on their work. It is not done to erode judicial independence,” the minister added.

READ ALSO:Open Bank Account In PDP Name, See What Will Happen – Wike Dares Turaki Faction

Wike said the projects formed part of activities lined up to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He expressed satisfaction with the completion level of the judges’ quarters, describing the project as well executed and nearly ready for inauguration.

“We’ve seen the judges’ quarters beautiful. I’m very elated that the job was done well. The houses are well furnished and almost 99 per cent ready,” he stated.

The minister also disclosed that preparations had begun for the groundbreaking ceremony of residences for judges of the Industrial Court and the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the finishing at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division project, despite its advanced stage of completion.

READ ALSO:Trump Tired Of War In Iran – Shehu Sani

“Almost 90 per cent complete, but I must say it’s not the quality I expected. I have told the contractor that several errors must be corrected before inauguration,” he said.

Wike assured that the administration would continue monitoring contractors to ensure all projects are delivered according to specification and within schedule.

“All the promises that have been made, we are going to fulfil them. That is why we are going around to inspect and ensure contractors are ready,” he added.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Lagos State Examinations Board, has released the timetable and guidelines for the 2026 Public Service Examinations.

In a statement by the Lagos State Government, the announcement, which aligns with a prior circular from the Head of Service with Ref No: CIR/HOS/’26/005 dated January 21, 2026, sets out key instructions for candidates preparing for the exercise.

The examinations will hold between Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC), Magodo, Lagos.

They include the Compulsory Examination for all cadres in the State Public Service, the Combined Confirmation/Promotion Examination for Clerical Officers II (CO II) and Clerical Assistants (CA), as well as the External Secretarial Examination.

READ ALSO:Lagos Begins 2026 Civil Service Promotions

According to the board, candidates are expected to begin printing their examination slips from Tuesday, May 5, 2026, through the official portal using their registration login details.

The slip will contain key information such as each candidate’s exam date and time.

“All candidates are required to present valid identification at the examination centre. Acceptable forms of identification include Staff Identity Cards, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards,” the statement said.

Candidates are also required to bring printed copies of their examination slips to the venue and must strictly follow the date and time allocated to them.

READ ALSO:Why Tinubu Didn’t Attend Project Commissioning In Lagos —Presidency

The board further advised candidates to acquaint themselves with basic computer skills ahead of the exercise, as the examinations will be conducted using a Computer-Based Test, CBT, format.

It also warned that dressing must be formal, adding that inappropriate dressing will not be allowed at the examination centre.

Candidates were urged to comply fully with all instructions to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“The Lagos State Examinations Board urges all candidates to comply fully with these guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly examination process,” the statement added.

The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, has sealed Pinnock Beach Estate in Osapa London, Lekki, and other properties across the state over alleged illegal discharge of untreated sewage.

The enforcement operation was carried out on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following several warnings and abatement notices issued to the affected properties.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said Pinnock Beach Estate was sealed for allegedly pumping untreated sewage into a canal, causing environmental pollution, offensive odour and health risks to residents and aquatic life.

READ ALSO:Lagos Unveils Cybersecurity Guidelines To Strengthen Digital Safety

“After several warnings and abatement notices, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), on Thursday 7th May, 2026, sealed-off Pinnock Beach Estate, Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos, over deliberate discharge of untreated sewage via pumping machine into the canal causing environmental nuisance, offensive odour, as well as endangering human health and aquatic life,” the commissioner said.

The agency also shut a property at No. 28 Amodu Street, Itire, Surulere, after residents reportedly complained about the continuous discharge of raw sewage into a neighbouring compound and public drains.

LSWMO described the act as a serious environmental and health hazard.

Also affected by the exercise was a property located on Oladipo Dumoye Street, Mashy Hill Estate, Ado Road, Ajah, Eti-Osa area of Lagos.

According to the agency, the property was sealed for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into public drains, leading to pollution, drainage blockage and environmental nuisance.

READ ALSO:Lagos Begins 2026 Civil Service Promotions

Another affected property was Vintage Heights Estate on Ojulari Street, Elegushi, Lekki, Eti-Osa, which was accused of pumping untreated sewage into public drains and the surrounding environment.

The agency said the act contributed to offensive odour, pollution and blockage of drainage channels within the area.

The Lagos State Government reiterated the need for residents, estate managers and property owners to comply with proper wastewater management practices.

It warned that anyone found violating environmental regulations would face sanctions and possible prosecution in line with the law.