By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State Judicial Service Commission has approved the promotion of 1,768 personnel, ending a six-year backlog that left eligible judiciary workers waiting for career advancement since 2020.
The decision brings relief to affected workers whose promotions were delayed for years because of inadequate funding, but also raises questions about the prolonged stagnation of their careers.
The approval was granted at the Commission’s 139th session held at the High Court complex, Judiciary Headquarters, Lokoja, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi.
The meeting focused primarily on clearing the backlog, which had generated agitation among judiciary workers.
Six years of stalled careers
For workers who became eligible for promotion in 2020, the delay meant spending years without the career advancement they had expected.
The prolonged freeze also came amid rising living costs, although the Commission did not disclose the specific financial or welfare consequences for affected personnel.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commission’s Secretary, Dr Mohammed Tanko, attributed the delay to a shortage of funds.
He said the Chief Judge had observed that judiciary workers last enjoyed promotions in 2020 because of inadequate funding.
Tanko expressed satisfaction that the Commission had finally addressed the backlog and said the exercise had received the state government’s approval.
He commended the heads of the three courts and the state Attorney-General for their contributions, noting that their recommendations helped the Commission identify all eligible personnel.
The secretary said the Commission ratified the recommendations of its Appointment and Promotion Committee to ensure that qualified workers benefited from the exercise.
The development is expected to address some of the grievances of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), although the Commission did not provide details of specific union protests or complaints linked to the delay.
1,768 personnel affected
The promotion exercise covers personnel of the Judicial Service Commission, High Court of Justice, Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal.
The beneficiaries include magistrates, area court judges, registrars and other supporting staff across various cadres and grade levels.
Tanko said the Commission was determined to improve staff motivation and prevent a recurrence of such prolonged delays.
He assured workers that future promotion exercises would be conducted diligently to ensure eligible personnel received their entitlements.
However, the latest approval also highlights the need for a more consistent promotion system that will prevent qualified workers from waiting years for career progression.
Finance directorates renamed
In a related development, the Commission approved the conversion of the Directorate of Finance and Supplies in the three courts and the Commission to the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.
The change follows an earlier directive by the State Executive Council aimed at harmonising financial management procedures across government agencies.
The Commission directed the affected directorates in the Judicial Service Commission, High Court of Justice, Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal to adopt the new designation with immediate effect.