Experts warn neglect could fuel corruption and weaken justice delivery.
Stakeholders across Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States are sounding the alarm over the poor welfare of magistrates, warning that continued neglect could undermine effective justice delivery and public trust in the judiciary.
In a survey by NAN, civil society groups, lawyers and community leaders urged federal and state governments to urgently improve salaries, allowances, housing and official vehicles for magistrates, especially those in lower courts closest to the grassroots.
In Kogi, JUSUN Chairman Waniko Emmanuel said magistrates still use public transport and share accommodation with litigants, exposing them to serious security risks. Legal practitioners and CSOs warned that poor welfare lowers morale and encourages corruption, while noting that the Chief Judge has formally raised the issues with the state government.
In Nasarawa, lawyers called for magistrates’ welfare to be brought in line with High Court judges, saying current packages do not reflect their critical role. CSOs praised infrastructure upgrades but insisted more must be done on welfare.
In Niger, analysts stressed that state governments are legally responsible for magistrates’ welfare. They warned that ignoring the issue would weaken justice reforms, slow trials and erode public confidence in the courts.
Across the three states, stakeholders also urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to set uniform welfare standards nationwide to protect judicial integrity and strengthen the rule of law.
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