The Magistrate Court Establishment Bill 2025 yesterday scaled the second reading at the Kwara State House of Assembly.
The Bill seeks to establish the Magistrate Courts, provide for the appointment and working conditions of the state’s magistrates, and address other related matters.
Speaking on the general principles of the bill, the House leader, Hon. AbdulKadir Magaji, who is the prime mover of the bill, highlighted the role of a Magistrate’s court in providing accessible justice for everyday legal issues, saying it’s very important in society.
Some of the lawmakers who expressed support for the passage of the Bill are Hon. Ganiyu Salahu (Omu-Ipo Constituency), Hon. Arinola Lawal (Ilorin East), Hon. Halidu Danbaba (Kaiama/Kemanji/Wojibe), and Hon. Bamigboye Kuti (Oke-Ero).
The lawmakers noted that the passage of the Bill will ensure adequate remuneration and a conducive working environment for the magistrates.
They described the Bill as important and long overdue, given the critical role Magistrate Courts play in handling minor criminal and civil cases and preliminary hearings for more serious cases.
The speaker of the House, Engr. Yakubu Saliu Danladi directed the clerk, Alh Ahmed Olayiwola, to read the Bill a second time to pass the second reading.
He thereafter referred the Bill to the House Committee on Etiquettes and Privileges to conduct a public hearing and report to the House for further review.
