By Isaac Mission
The Enugu State Government has set October 19, 2026, as the deadline for a technical committee working on the financial autonomy of the state judiciary to submit its report.
The Joint Technical Committee was inaugurated on September 16 by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah.
The committee was established following an agreement reached between the state government and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on September 17, 2025, concerning financial autonomy for the judiciary and the welfare of judicial workers.
Speaking at the inauguration, Onyia directed the committee to produce a comprehensive framework for implementing judicial financial autonomy in the state. The report is expected to be ready for presentation by noon on October 19.
Among the committee's responsibilities is the development of a clear and sustainable implementation plan, resolution of outstanding administrative and financial matters, and consideration of the Consolidated Judicial Salary Structure (CONJUS) for eligible workers.
The committee will also examine how judicial financial autonomy is being implemented in other states and within the Federal Judiciary. It is expected to review Enugu's existing legal and administrative arrangements and verify any outstanding financial obligations to judiciary workers, including unpaid salaries and arrears.
The committee is chaired by the Enugu State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze. Its membership includes representatives of the Ministry of Labour, the Accountant-General's office, the judiciary registry and JUSUN leadership at both state and national levels.
Nnajieze said the committee had already examined the financial implications of the proposed autonomy arrangement.
He explained that the framework is intended to give the judiciary greater control over its finances while maintaining the executive's responsibility to provide the necessary resources.
According to him, Governor Mbah has demonstrated commitment to the process and has also taken steps towards the inauguration of the State Account and Allocation Committee, a body provided for under the Constitution.
JUSUN National Vice-President for the South-East, Chinedu Eze, pledged the union's cooperation with the committee.
Eze described financial autonomy for the judiciary as a constitutional provision rather than a concession, arguing that greater institutional independence would support effective justice delivery and social stability.
The committee is expected to conclude its work and submit its recommendations by the October 19 deadline.