The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, has expressed her concern about the lack of funding for the judiciary in the state. She called on the government to immediately implement the Harmonised Conditions of Service Law 2023, which was passed by the state legislature. The law aims to harmonize the conditions of service for magistrates, sharia court judges, state counsels, draftsmen, and others connected with criminal justice.
Justice Abdulmalik highlighted the poor state of some courts in Niger State, noting that some operate in rented accommodations while others are in dilapidated buildings. She attributed this situation to insufficient allocation of funds for capital projects in the judiciary. She also expressed concern about the plight of magistrates in the state, who often commute to work in public transport, sometimes alongside litigants, defendants, and accused persons.
The Chief Judge emphasized the need for the judiciary to receive proper funding and support to carry out its duties effectively. She also raised the issue of retired Chief Judges in the state who were not provided with official vehicles or retirement homes as required by law.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Niger State, Barr. Nasiru Muazu, acknowledged that the Nigerian criminal justice system faces resource constraints, including inadequate funding and overcrowded correctional centers. He noted that inefficiencies at all levels contribute to lengthy delays in the resolution of cases, despite provisions for speedy trials in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Niger State.