Judges at the grassroots say poor pay and lack of benefits are hurting morale and justice delivery.
The Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Kebbi Chapter, has raised concerns over the wide wage gap between magistrates and High Court Judges. Chief Magistrate Dayyabu Usman said some magistrates earn less than ₦200,000 monthly, compared with High Court Judges who take home at least ₦4 million plus allowances.
Officials and legal experts highlighted challenges: no official housing, reliance on public transport, and meager allowances, despite handling heavy case loads. Chief Magistrate Amina Bello noted low welfare has hit morale, while senior officer Yusuf Lawal warned it could affect efficiency.
Civil society voices, including Zainab Musa, urged state governments to improve magistrates’ conditions, linking better pay and support to stronger justice at the grassroots. Analysts stressed designing special entitlements for magistrates to strengthen courts, especially in rural areas.
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