The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Abia State branch, has called on the Abia State Government to rehabilitate dilapidated courtrooms and other deteriorating facilities within the state’s judiciary.

The NBA made the call on Thursday in Umuahia during a citizens’ engagement organised by the Abia State Government to gather the needs and priorities of residents ahead of the proposed 2027 Abia State budget.

The association’s recommendations on its expectations for the 2027 budget were presented by its representative, Ikemefula Ijioma.

While acknowledging some infrastructural interventions carried out by the state government in the judiciary sector, the NBA expressed concern over the condition of some courtrooms across the state.

The association said the roofs of some court buildings are in poor condition, resulting in the suspension of court proceedings whenever it rains, including proceedings involving important cases.

According to the NBA, rehabilitating the affected facilities would provide a more conducive environment for judges, lawyers, litigants and other court users, while also supporting the speedy dispensation of justice in the state.

Another lawyer, Nduri Chibuike Eruba, also called for increased government support for the judiciary sector.

At the citizens’ engagement forum, Mrs Ihediwamma Gladys of the Grassroots Community Development Initiative urged the state government to allow civil society organisations to monitor the implementation of annual budgets.

She said such involvement would help promote accountability and transparency in the execution of government budgets.

Traditional rulers who participated in the engagement also appealed to the state government to increase security presence around newly constructed school buildings in communities.

They said stronger security measures would help protect the facilities from vandalism and looting by criminals.

Responding to the various demands, the Abia State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Kingsley Anosike, said the citizens’ engagement programme was designed to gather the needs and priorities of Abia residents before the 2027 budget is prepared.

Anosike assured participants that the concerns raised by the NBA, persons living with disabilities, civil society organisations and community leaders would be considered, subject to available resources.