By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing modern infrastructure for the judiciary while expressing dissatisfaction over delays at the Court of Appeal complex, Abuja division.
Wike made the remarks during a project monitoring visit to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District and the Court of Appeal Complex in Daki Biyu District.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, the Minister praised the pace and quality of work at the Judges’ Quarters. “The work at the Judges’ Quarters is going very well, and we are satisfied with the progress,” he said.
However, he voiced serious concern over the contractors handling the Court of Appeal complex. Originally scheduled for completion in September, the contractors requested a new deadline in December. Wike was unconvinced.
“I don’t think even in this December that they are talking about it is possible,” he said. “Yes, the work is going on very well, but finishing requires a lot of time. I really don’t think they will hand over. Probably, they will hand over by January, but that was not what we expected at all.”
On the significance of the projects, Wike emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is particularly interested in ensuring judges work in dignified conditions that foster confidence in the judiciary.
“These are the things that make them have confidence in doing their jobs in carrying out their assignments, and by so doing, they will command public confidence in the judiciary,” he said, adding that empowering the judiciary is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
The visits included inspections of ongoing construction work, where Wike interacted with contractors and project managers to urge faster delivery without compromising quality.
