Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at the new Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District.
Briefing reporters after inspecting the Appeal Court Complex and the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Wike expressed doubts about the project meeting its scheduled September 2025 completion date, intended to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s 2025 legal year celebration.
The Minister noted a prior commitment to the Court of Appeal that the new facility would be ready in time for their 2025 legal year.
However, after touring the site, he stated: “I’m afraid; I’m really not too satisfied. I don’t think that the contractor will meet up”.
Despite concerns, the Minister expressed confidence that the project would be completed and handed over to the Court of Appeal before the end of the year.
Read Also: Tinubu hails Damilola Ogunbiyi on Forbes sustainability leaders recognition
To ensure that the project is delivered this year, the Minister said he has summoned the contractor for an urgent meeting to strategize on how to accelerate the pace of work.
He emphasised the project’s importance, noting that it was dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister said: “I do know that it will not exceed this year. I have sent them to call the contractor. Let’s put our heads together because it’s one project that is dear to Mr. President”.
In contrast, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the Judges’ Quarters project in Katampe District, which involves the construction of 40 units of five-bedroom duplexes for Justices of the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court, and the Court of Appeal.
The Minister said he was impressed with the speed of construction and expressed confidence that the January 2026 completion date will be met.
He underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing fitting accommodations for Justices to ensure their independence and the effective discharge of their duties, noting that the President’s initiative aims to provide judges with a safe and secure living environment, allowing them to focus on their work.
He said: “We are impressed with the speed of work and the duration is for them to hand over by January 2026 with complete furnishing. I believe with the way they are going, they may be able to hand over before that date.
“But by and large, we are happy. This is the initiative of Mr. President, who has never hidden his intention to provide welfare and make the judiciary independent, where judges will not be living amongst criminals or as tenants, which is not the best.
“What Mr. President has done is to ensure that they have that autonomy. They will want to stay on their own to carry out their job”.