Bauchi Governor Directs Review Of Magistrates’, Sharia Court Judges’ Welfare

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has directed relevant government ministries and the state judiciary to develop a sustainable remuneration and allowances package for magistrates and Sharia Court judges.

He gave the directive during the 2026/2027 Legal Year ceremony at the State High Court Complex, where he tasked the Head of Service and the Commissioners for Finance and Justice, in collaboration with the judiciary, with urgently developing an appropriate framework.

Mohammed stressed that the proposed package should reflect approved judicial remuneration structures in other states, while remaining realistic and financially sustainable to enhance the welfare of judicial officers.

While reiterating his administration’s commitment to safeguarding judicial independence, Mohammed directed the provision of official vehicles for magistrates and charged judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities with fairness and integrity, without fear or favour.

Speaking, the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, appreciated Governor Mohammed’s continued support for the judiciary but expressed concern over the poor remuneration of magistrates in the state.

She noted that Bauchi magistrates were among the lowest-paid in the North-East, compared with their counterparts in Jigawa, Yobe and Gombe states.
Justice Talatu also advocated the establishment of additional High Court divisions in Ningi, Misau, Toro and Azare to ease increasing caseloads and improve access to justice.

She further appealed for improved court infrastructure, residential accommodation and official vehicles for judicial officers across the state.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bauchi Branch, Barrister Rabi’u Garba, called for stricter enforcement of professional ethics among legal practitioners, stressing that discipline and adherence to professional standards were essential to strengthening the delivery of justice.

…Vows Politics Will Not Distract Governance In Bauchi

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has said that politics and electioneering campaigns will not distract his administration from delivering good governance in Bauchi State.

The Governor stated this while presiding over the State Executive Council meeting held this afternoon at the Exco Chamber, Government House, Bauchi, where far-reaching decisions affecting governance and developmental projects are expected to be taken.

In his opening remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed told members of the Council that, despite ongoing political activities and electioneering campaigns, governance and the administration’s vision and mission to deliver the dividends of democracy must not suffer.

He said that as his administration gradually comes to an end, government officials must strive to ensure that programmes and projects are executed to their logical conclusion for sustainable growth and development.
Governor Bala Mohammed added that the government will continue to support security agencies to ensure peace and stability, urging members of the public to continue supporting government policies and programmes.

…Commends Contractors As Bauchi Mega Projects Record Quality Delivery

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the Bauchi Specialist Hospital and the new State Assembly Complex.

The Governor stated this during an inspection visit to the projects, saying the exercise was part of his administration’s efforts to monitor government projects and ensure contractors meet approved standards.

He explained that the inspection was not due to any doubt about the contractors but was aimed at ensuring that the government gets value for the money spent on the projects.

Governor Bala Mohammed said he was impressed with the progress made, adding that the quality of work delivered was higher than the payments already made. He assured the contractors of further payments once they submit the required documents.

At the Specialist Hospital, the Governor said more than 100 modern houses are being built for doctors, consultants and newly employed health workers to improve their welfare and encourage them to remain in the state.

Speaking on the new Assembly Complex, he said lawmakers need a good working environment to perform their duties. He added that the project includes new offices for lawmakers and the redesigning of the Assembly Chamber.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving working conditions across government institutions to enhance productivity and service delivery. He said the visit was unannounced to enable him to see the true level of work at the projects.