Justice Kulu Aliyu, the chief judge of Zamfara, has called for adequate funding of the state judiciary to enable the arm to carry out its constitutional duties effectively.

Ms Aliyu made the call in Gusau on Monday, at the opening of the annual workshop for magistrates, staff of the High Court and other stakeholders in the justice system.

She said funding remains a critical element for the success of the judiciary as guaranteed in the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The administration of justice requires enough funding to investigate crimes, work in the trial process of the alleged crimes, laws that govern investigative and courtroom activity, and the courts themselves,” she said.

While noting that the judiciary is an arm of government, like the executive and legislative arms, Ms Aliyu urged full financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 (as amended).

“It states in S 121(3) that any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary of a state in the consolidated revenue fund of the state shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.

“Despite these constitutional provisions guaranteeing financial independence of the judiciary, practical implementation remains a challenge,” Ms Aliyu said.

According to her, the High Court of Zamfara State receives a monthly cash allocation of only N10 million, which is far below what is needed to run our courts effectively, invest in technology, train judicial officers and other staff, buy working materials, buy diesel, and provide a conducive working environment.

“Without adequate funding, the wheel of Justice turns slowly, and public confidence is weakened.

“Financial autonomy is not just a constitutional command but a necessity for effective justice delivery and separation of powers,” she said.

Ms Aliyu explained that for some years now, none of the High Court judges has attended any of the international conferences approved by the honourable chief justice and chairman, board of governors of the National Judicial Institute, due to a lack of funds.

“We must acknowledge the directive of the honourable chief justice of Nigeria and chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice K.M.O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, that courts should begin to adopt virtual hearings.

“This reform is not only progressive, it is essential. It aligns with global judicial standards and improves efficiency, especially in a world shaped by digital transformation.

“Implementing virtual proceedings requires equipment, training, reliable internet infrastructure and strong administrative support. All these bring us back to the question of funding and institutional commitment. A nation cannot claim to uphold democracy when its Judiciary is underfunded,” the chief judge said.

She also noted the lack of befitting official vehicles for judicial officers, magistrates, Sharia Court judges and members of the Judicial Service Commission.

“By the provision of the law, judicial officers are to be provided with official vehicles after every four years.

“It is to be noted that the last time judicial officers were given official vehicles was in 2020, six years ago. Some Magistrates and Sharia Court Judges resort to commercial transport to go to work,” she added.

She, however, said the judiciary remains hopeful that the government would look into these challenges and begin to address them by respecting the provisions of the constitution and placing the Judiciary in its rightful place.

Ms Aliyu appealed to the participants of the training to approach the session with an open mind and share ideas, knowledge, and a wealth of experience.

“Let us engage constructively in the discussions that will guide policy and strengthen justice administration.

“May this workshop build stronger networks and contribute meaningfully to Justice Delivery in our dear State and across Nigeria.

“Our active participation will determine how collectively we can reach consensus in the decisions we may reach,” the chief judge said.

She, however, appreciated Zamfara State government for making funds available for the workshop.

“As we gather here today, we must acknowledge with appreciation the role of the government in making this workshop a reality.

“We sincerely thank Governor Dauda Lawal for making available the funds to support this workshop. I want to appreciate the governor’s support and commitment towards improving the quality of our service delivery in the judiciary sector of the state.

“We also appreciate the state government for the ongoing renovation work ongoing at the High Court Complex and the Magistrate Courts being constructed across the state,” she said.

On his part, while declaring the workshop open, Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by the Speaker of the Zamfara House of Assembly, Bilyaminu Moriki, described the workshop as timely.

Mr Lawal assured that his administration will continue to give all necessary support to the judiciary in their role in promoting justice and human rights.

He called on the participants to pay attention and derive more knowledge from the resource persons during the technical sessions of the workshop.

The theme of the workshop is “The Role of Stakeholders in the Administration of Justice in Zamfara State”.

(NAN)