NBA President Calls For Enhanced Funding Of Magistracy To Strengthen Grassroots Justice
Yakubu Maikyau, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has called for improved funding for the magistracy across states, emphasising its critical role in grassroots justice delivery and the fight against crime. Maikyau made this appeal in a press release on Wednesday, following the signing of the Judicial Office Holders Act into law.
The newly enacted Act raises the salaries of judicial officers nationwide, a move Maikyau praised while urging the National and State Houses of Assembly to take further action. He advocated for magistrates to be recognized as judicial officers in the constitution as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
Maikyau underscored the importance of public confidence in the judiciary, stating, “The need for high public confidence and respect for the judiciary is essential for our peaceful coexistence. It is necessary for economic growth, development, and prosperity. This crucial element of our stability cannot be overstated.”
Reflecting on his administration’s commitment to the judiciary’s dignity and effectiveness, Maikyau highlighted the NBA’s efforts in engaging with the government and other stakeholders to secure better remuneration for judges and justices, both during their service and after retirement.
“By the grace of God Almighty, and without intending to sound immodest, we successfully accomplished this task, leading to the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) Act, 2024. This achievement resulted from constructive engagement with all arms of government,” Maikyau stated.
He congratulated the Nigerian judiciary and the broader legal profession on the enactment of the Act, which received President Bola Tinubu’s assent on August 9, 2024. Maikyau described the Act as a historic milestone, noting that it addressed a long-standing neglect of the judiciary, with the last salary review for judicial officers dating back to 2007.
The NBA President’s call for enhanced funding of the magistracy highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure that justice is accessible and effective at all levels of society, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of peace and development in Nigeria.
Read the full text of the NBA President’s speech here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> STATEMENT ON JUDICIAL SALARIES ACT
