Zamfara CJ decries poor funding of judiciary despite autonomy
By Shuaib Sadiq
Justice Kulu Aliyu, Chief Judge of Zamfara on Monday decried the interference into the finances of the judiciary by the government in spite of its autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic 2022 as amended.
Aliyu who stated at the opening of the Annual training of Magistrates, High Court staff, security agencies and other stakeholders, berated the government for starving the judiciary of funds.
The chief judge said while the judiciary acknowledges various supports from the Executive arm and remains eternally grateful: “we are also duty bound to humbly bring to the notice and attention of the government some persistent challenges currently confronting the Judiciary in the State.
” It is important to emphasise that the Judiciary is neither a parastatal nor a Department under any Ministry, it is an Arm of Government just as the Executive and Legislative Arms.
“Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 (as amended) Provides for Financial Autonomy of the Judiciary. It states:
“S. 121(3) 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.
3A- For the purposes of subsection (3), there is established for each State of the Federation a Disbursement Committee comprising:
(a) The Commissioner of Finance of the State as Chairman
(b) Accountant General of the State
(c) A representative of the State Budget Office or Ministry
(d) Chief Registrar of the High Court of the State
(e) Chief Registrar of the Revenue Court of the State (where applicable).
(f) Chief Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the State (where applicable)
(g) Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State (where applicable)
(h) The Clerk of the State House of Assembly.
(i) Secretary of the House of Assembly Service Commission;
(j) The Secretary of the State Judicial Service Commission
(k) The Officer in charge of Finance in the State House of Assembly
“All monies due to the House of Assembly of the State and the Judiciary of the State for Capital and Recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the State Accountant General into the House of Assembly of the State and Judiciary of the State accounts in monthly instalments respectively.
“The monies due to the House of Assembly of a State and the Judiciary of a State shall be the amount appropriated in the Appropriation Law of the State for the year.
“Despite these Constitutional Provisions guaranteeing financial independence of the Judiciary, practical implementation remains a challenge.
“The High Court of Zamfara State receives a monthly cash allocation of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000.00) only, 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.
“Your Excellency, Judicial Officers and other staff of the Judiciary are to attend and participate in various Workshops, Seminars and Conferences organized by the National Judicial Institute both within and outside the country.
“This is an all-year-round program and is mandatory Continuing Judicial Education. Last year (2025), High Court Judges attended only two conferences within the country. For some years now, none of the High Court Judges attended any of the International Conferences approved by the Hon.
” Chief Justice and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute due to lack of funds,” she said.
According the Chief Judge, there is also a need for modern Court technology/Virtual hearing.
“We must acknowledge the directive of the Hon. 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 hearing.
“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.
She also raised the concern of the challenge for the Judiciary in 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 2020, six years ago. Some Magistrates and Sharia Court Judges resort to commercial transport to go to work.
“Your Excellency, we remain hopeful that the government will look into these challenges and begin to address them by respecting the provisions of the Constitution and placing the Judiciary in its rightful place.
“As we begin this workshop, let us approach the session with an open mind, share ideas, knowledge and wealth of experience.
“Let us engage constructively in the discussions that will guide policy and strengthen justice administration.
“May I at this juncture express our deepest appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, who has created time out of his tight schedule to attend this opening ceremony.
“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.” she said.
Earlier, justice Aliyu had said that
the gathering is a space for learning, reflection and action.
” It is a workshop designed to strengthen our Justice Administration System, improve Justice Service delivery and enhance collaboration among all stakeholders.
“The importance of this workshop cannot be overemphasized. As Magistrates and Justice Administrators generally, we operate at the foundation of the Justice System Magistrates Courts are the places where most citizens first encounter Justice.
“Therefore, improving our knowledge, processes and infrastructures directly improves public confidence in the Judiciary, promotes transparency and advances the rule of Law in our Society.
“As we gather here today, we must acknowledge with appreciation the role of the government in making this workshop a reality.
“We sincerely thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, for making available the funds to support this workshop.
The sum of Fifteen Million Naira only (N15,000,000.00) was released to the High Court for this workshop.
“We appreciate the support and commitment towards improving the quality of our service delivery. Renovation work is ongoing at the High Court Complex and Magistrate Courts are being constructed across the State.
“I wish the participants fruitful deliberations and a successful workshop,” Aliyu said. END
