The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work at the construction site of the new division for the Appeal Court, warning the contractor to expedite efforts to meet deadlines.
“If you ask me, am I happy? Certainly not. But not being happy will not solve the problem. The contractor will see me today, and we will see what can be done to expedite the speed of work,” Wike told journalists during an inspection of ongoing judiciary projects on Monday in Abuja.
The Minister, who had earlier promised that the facility would be ready by the next legal year, admitted concerns over possible delays but assured that the project would be delivered before the end of 2025.
“I make a promise to the crew that in their next legal year, education will take place in their new division. Having been there today, I am afraid the contractor may not meet up. But I do know it will not exceed this year,” he said.
Wike, however, expressed satisfaction with progress on other judiciary housing projects, including 20 units of duplexes for the FCT High Court, 10 units for the Court of Appeal, and additional quarters for the Federal High Court.
With full furnishing, the housing units are scheduled to be handed over by January 2026, though the Minister noted they could be completed earlier given the current pace.
The initiative, he explained, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to judicial welfare and independence.
“This is an initiative from the President, who has never hidden his intention to provide welfare and make the judiciary independent. Judges should not live among criminals or tenants. With this, they will have their autonomy and carry out their duties effectively,” Wike added.
The Minister commended the contractors working on the judges’ quarters but urged them to sustain the momentum and deliver the projects on time.
