The Nigerian Bar Association, Bauchi State Branch, has raised concerns over structural weaknesses in the administration of justice, citing infrastructural decay, poor judicial welfare, and unregulated artificial intelligence as major threats to efficient justice delivery.
The Chairman of the association in Bauchi State, Rabiu Garba, stated this while speaking at the Bauchi NBA Annual Law Week 2026.
Garba, who called for urgent legal and institutional reforms to strengthen the justice system in the state and across the country, noted that, inadequate courtrooms and obsolete legal tools continue to slow judicial processes and frustrate litigants and legal practitioners.
“Inadequate courtrooms and obsolete legal tools continue to slow judicial processes and frustrate both litigants and practitioners,” Garba said.
“Without urgent investment in modern facilities, the justice system risks becoming ineffective.”
He described poor remuneration for legal practitioners and judicial officers, particularly at the lower bench, as a major disincentive affecting morale, productivity, and the quality of justice delivery.
While speaking on artificial intelligence, Garba warned that unregulated adoption of AI could create ethical and professional challenges despite its innovative potential.
Therefore, he called for the development of clear legal frameworks to guide the integration of artificial intelligence into legal practice.
The NBA chairman further noted that socio-economic pressures and weak welfare packages for judicial staff had compounded the challenges confronting the justice sector.
However, he commended the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, for what he described as sustained support for the judiciary.
Garba also praised the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Rabi Umar, for her commitment to judicial reforms and improved court administration.
Also, speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Gender to the governor, Sha’awanatu Yusuf, stressed the need for inclusivity and gender sensitivity in justice administration.
“Access to justice remains uneven, particularly for women and vulnerable groups,” Yusuf said.
“We need deliberate policies that promote fairness and equity within the legal framework.”
She noted that gender-responsive justice remains essential for sustainable development and social stability.
Yusuf also called for continuous legal education in emerging areas such as digital law and human rights.
According to her, the government’s support through improved welfare, training, and policy reforms would help strengthen institutions and enhance efficiency in the justice sector.
She commended Governor Mohammed for prioritising gender inclusion and reforms in the justice sector while also praising Justice Umar for initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and protecting vulnerable groups.
Yusuf urged legal stakeholders to collaborate in building a resilient, transparent, and inclusive justice system that reflects the aspirations of citizens.
