The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the slow pace of work at the new Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District.

Wike spoke on Monday, after inspecting the Appeal Court site and the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District. 

He said he doubted the contractor could meet the original September 2025 deadline, which was meant to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s legal year celebration.

“I’m afraid; I’m really not too satisfied. I don’t think that the contractor will meet up,” Wike told journalists after the inspection.

The minister said he has called for an urgent meeting with the contractor to find ways to speed up the project. 

He stressed that the facility was a priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“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,” he said.

He, however, praised the progress of work at the Judges’ Quarters project in Katampe, where 40 five-bedroom duplexes are being built for Justices of the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court, and the Court of Appeal.

“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,” he said.

Wike noted that the President’s initiative to provide decent housing for judges was part of efforts to strengthen judicial independence.

Wike explained that President Tinubu’s effort is aimed at giving judges greater independence by providing them with their own secure housing and allowing them to live separately and focus fully on their duties.

Wike expresses displeasure over slow pace of work at Abuja court complex project