Bago Pledges Judicial Independence as Niger Opens Legal Year

 

By Atlantic Reports

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has pledged continued support for judicial independence, while the state’s attorney-general has called for reforms to speed up criminal proceedings and address prolonged detention.

The commitments were made on Monday at a special court session in Minna marking the opening of the judiciary’s 2026/2027 Legal Year.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, Bago described judicial independence as a constitutional safeguard that must be upheld.

He said his administration would support the conditions needed for judicial officers to carry out their duties efficiently, urging them to dispense justice without fear or favour, regardless of the influence, position or wealth of those appearing before them.

The governor stressed that independence must be accompanied by integrity, impartiality, accountability and professional discipline to sustain public confidence in the courts.

He described the new legal year as an opportunity to assess progress, confront outstanding challenges and renew commitment to fairness and the rule of law.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Nasiru Muazu, called for closer cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary, while maintaining clear boundaries against interference in judicial decisions.

He said that cooperation should rest on mutual respect, constitutional compliance and professional dialogue.

Muazu identified implementation of the Niger State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022, as a priority. He called for faster criminal proceedings, better case management and measures to address prolonged detention and congestion in correctional facilities.

For defendants awaiting trial and people seeking redress, those reforms would need to translate into fewer avoidable delays and more timely decisions.

The attorney-general also advocated electronic filing, digital records management and electronic affidavit processes to improve court administration.

He encouraged mediation and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease pressure on the courts, alongside timely legal advice to government ministries, departments and agencies to prevent unnecessary litigation.

Muazu identified rising caseloads, inadequate infrastructure and funding constraints as persistent challenges. He proposed regular consultations and measurable performance targets to strengthen justice delivery.

The remarks did not specify funding commitments, implementation deadlines or targets for reducing case backlogs and prolonged detention.

Muazu congratulated the Chief Judge, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, judicial officers and members of the Bar on the new legal year. He also commended the Nigerian Bar Association branches in Minna, Suleja and Bida for their contributions to justice administration.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.