The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the judiciary to justify its recent pay raise by improving its services and restoring public trust in the legal system.
In a statement signed by the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), the association emphasized the need for the judiciary to win back the confidence of Nigerians by making a conscious effort to deliver justice effectively.
The NBA applauded the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act of 2024, which significantly increased the salaries of judicial officers. However, the association also called for the inclusion of magistrates within the definition of judicial officers in the ongoing constitutional review. This, they argue, is essential as magistrates handle a majority of criminal cases at the grassroots level, and their inclusion would improve justice delivery.
The NBA stressed that other judiciary staff, such as registrars and legal assistants, must also receive improved welfare packages for the overall justice delivery process to be meaningful. The association highlighted that its focus moving forward would be on strengthening the judiciary by addressing issues such as appointments, discipline, and the promotion of judicial officers. Additionally, the NBA emphasized the importance of enhancing judicial oversight bodies.
Maikyau expressed confidence that the incoming NBA President, Afam Osigwe, would prioritize these issues when he assumes office later this month.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Maikyau noted that advocating for better remuneration for judges and justices was a key objective. He expressed satisfaction that this goal was accomplished with the recent enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024. He credited the successful advocacy to collaborative efforts with the various arms of government, the National Assembly, and legal reform advocates.
The NBA President praised key stakeholders, including the 10th National Assembly, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and other notable legal figures who played critical roles in the successful passage of the Act. Maikyau also acknowledged the guidance and support from senior members of the judiciary and other legal professionals, whose insights contributed to the NBA’s strategy and advocacy for improved judicial remuneration.
The statement concluded with a call for the judiciary to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and justice, given the significant improvements in its welfare, and to work towards regaining the trust and confidence of the public.