From Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, Gusau
The Zamfara State judiciary system has long been facing challenges which included poor funding due to lack of implementation of judicial autonomy.
Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) Provides for Financial Autonomy of the Judiciary to prevent quality and effective delivery of judicial services to retain public confidence in the state.
The Zamfara State Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu said these at the opening of a two-day annual training for magistrates, staff of high court and other stakeholders in the administration of justice held on Monday at JB Secretariat Gusau.
According to Justice Kulu, 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 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.
“There is also a need for modern Court technology and 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”, Justice Kulu further cried.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal, represented by the Speaker state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Moriki, pledged continuous but needed support to ensure judicial system is improved efficiently to the global standard.
