Ondo Judiciary Staff Raise Alarm Over Crumbling Court Facilities and Worsening Welfare

Judiciary workers in Ondo State have sounded the alarm over what they describe as the deteriorating condition of court infrastructure and declining welfare packages, blaming the state government for neglect that they say is hampering the effective dispensation of justice.

In statements made to journalists, members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state detailed challenges facing workers and the wider judicial system, saying that workers are increasingly demoralised by poor remuneration and inadequate working conditions. They also highlighted the dilapidated state of several court buildings, pointing to leaking roofs, outdated facilities, and a lack of essential equipment as major obstacles to efficient court operations.

The aggrieved workers criticised the government for failing to address longstanding welfare concerns, including delayed allowances and low salaries that they say fall far below what is needed for a decent standard of living. They warn that continued neglect could undermine the morale of court staff and weaken public confidence in the justice system.

Observers note that poor court infrastructure and worker welfare issues have been a challenge in several states across Nigeria, with critics arguing that underfunding can slow legal processes and weaken the rule of law. Reports also highlight the need for judicial autonomy and better funding to strengthen the state’s legal institutions.

In response, some legal practitioners and civil society advocates have called on the Ondo State Government to engage with the judiciary and allocate more resources to rehabilitating court facilities and improving staff welfare. They argue that a well-supported judiciary is essential for timely justice delivery and can foster greater confidence in the state.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the Ondo State Government at the time of publication were unsuccessful. The latest developments are expected to fuel ongoing debates about the adequacy of government support for the judiciary and the need for reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system in Ondo State.