In light of the roles of magistrates in handling criminal matters at the grassroots level, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has called for better funding and strengthening of the magistracy across states to enhance grassroots justice delivery and address criminal activities in society.
Maikyau made this call in a statement on Wednesday, reacting to the signing into law of the Judicial Office Holders Act, which increases the salaries of judicial officers in the country. He urged the National and State Houses of Assembly to consider including magistrates within the definition of judicial officers in the Constitution as part of the ongoing constitutional review.
The NBA President emphasized that the nation’s survival depends heavily on the judiciary. He added, “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.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to protecting the dignity of the judiciary for effective discharge of its constitutional functions, Maikyau stated, “We engaged government and other stakeholders to ensure immediate measures for proper remuneration of judges and justices, both in service and upon retirement.”
He noted, “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 congratulated the Nigerian judiciary and the entire legal profession on the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc.) Act, 2024, which received assent from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 9, 2024.
He described it as a historic achievement, noting that previous administrations had neglected the judiciary, with the last review of judicial officers’ salaries occurring in 2007.
He also highlighted that this achievement marks a significant moment in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola’s tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who will retire on August 22, 2024. Maikyau himself will conclude his term as the 31st NBA President on August 29, 2024.
Maikyau commended the 10th National Assembly for their cooperation in expediting the Bill and praised Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, for his support in passing the Bill into law.
He emphasized that other judiciary staff, including registrars, legal assistants, and court workers, must also be considered if the welfare improvements for justices and judges are to have a meaningful impact on the overall justice delivery process.
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Maikyau stated, “The review of judicial remuneration is not the end of our advocacy for judicial reform; it is merely the beginning. Moving forward, the NBA will focus on addressing fundamental issues essential to strengthening the judiciary.”
He identified matters such as the appointment, discipline, and elevation of judicial officers, as well as the need to strengthen judicial oversight bodies, as key areas for future focus. He expressed confidence that these issues will be prioritized by his successor and urged the judiciary to justify the improvements in their remuneration.
“There must be a deliberate effort to restore public confidence in the judiciary,” Maikyau added, expressing confidence that the incoming CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will meet the constitutional, moral, ethical, and professional demands of the office.
