Ayuba Tongs, the chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Plateau chapter, has called for improved welfare for magistrates and judiciary workers.

Mr Tongs made the call on Tuesday in Jos.

The chairman said he was worried about the poor welfare conditions of magistrates and other judiciary workers in the state.

Mr Tongs said magistrates had been largely neglected in welfare matters, unlike judges of superior courts who were enjoying better care, facilities, and official support from the government.

He described the situation as an oversight, stressing that welfare issues required urgent attention rather than blame-shifting among government institutions and relevant authorities.

According to him, many magistrates lack official accommodation and vehicles, forcing them to use public transportation despite the sensitive and risky nature of their judicial duties.

Mr Tongs warned that such conditions posed a serious security threat to magistrates, especially when they encountered individuals they had sentenced or ruled against in court.

He added that poor welfare could encourage corruption, noting that hunger and hardship undermined integrity and fair judgment within the justice system.

The JUSUN chairman urged the government to introduce comprehensive welfare packages, including housing, vehicles, and allowances, for magistrates and all judiciary staff.

He said adequate welfare across the judiciary would strengthen justice delivery, and well-catered-for personnel were more likely to uphold rules and professionalism.

Mr Tongs said the state judiciary remained partially autonomous and argued that full autonomy would have enhanced magistrates’ and other judicial workers’ welfare.

(NAN)