Poor courtrooms, inadequate funding threaten justice delivery - SAN

Nigeria's magistrates courts are facing serious challenges that undermine the delivery of justice, according to a senior advocate of Nigeria, Olusola Ojutalayo. During the 2026 National Convention of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria in Abeokuta, Ojutalayo highlighted the deplorable conditions in many courtrooms, which he described as cramped, hot, poorly ventilated, with inadequate seating, unreliable power, and insufficient security. These inadequate facilities, he warned, threaten the effective administration of justice.

Ojutalayo pointed out that the physical environment directly impacts the quality of justice, as uncomfortable conditions pressure magistrates to rush through cases. He emphasized that a court where everyone is uncomfortable and anxious to leave is not conducive to careful justice. He also noted that such conditions could compromise litigants' constitutional right to a fair hearing and restrict the public's right to attend proceedings.

Other challenges facing magistrates include inadequate funding, delayed welfare provisions, lack of official vehicles, heavy caseloads, outdated record-keeping, and unclear promotion pathways. Ojutalayo stressed that these issues must be addressed to ensure a fair justice system. He also highlighted that delays in criminal justice often stem from factors beyond a magistrate's control, such as defendants not appearing, prosecutors not being present, and incomplete case files.

To improve career progression, Ojutalayo urged State Judicial Service Commissions and Chief Judges to publish objective criteria for elevation to High Court Bench, ensuring transparency in promotions. He commended Chief Judge Mosunmola Dipeolu of Ogun State, who followed the path from magistracy to High Court and Chief Judge positions, beginning her career as a magistrate in 1999 and being sworn in as Chief Judge in 2018.

Chief Judge Dipeolu encouraged magistrates to focus on professional development, competence, and diligence. She reminded them that their current position is an office of considerable responsibility and urged them not to let expectations for promotion detract from the quality of service they provide. She also emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements to handle modern issues like electronic transactions, cybercrime, online fraud, and electronically stored records.

Chief Registrar of Ogun State High Court, Olakulehin Luqman Oke, called on magistrates to shape the future of the magistracy through integrity, innovation, and quality justice delivery. He cautioned against relying solely on technology or the goodwill of those controlling resources, emphasizing that adequate facilities, welfare, training, transparent career progression, and institutional respect are essential for an effective judiciary.