The Senate has passed a bill that seeks to significantly increase the salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for judicial officers in Nigeria.
The reports that on Wednesday, the bill was approved following the adoption of the report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, presented by Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North).
If the bill, previously passed by the House of Representatives, is signed into law by the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will receive an annual salary of N64 million.
The President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million, while each Justice of the Supreme Court will receive N61.4 million annually.
Heads of various courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court, will all receive an annual basic salary of N7.9 million.
Senator Monguno emphasized the unanimous support from stakeholders during the public hearing of the bill.
“The proposed legislation is apt and timely as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is long overdue in the light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country,” he stated.
He described the bill as “quite innovative” because it not only increases the basic salary but also considers the unique administrative structure and operational mechanisms of the judiciary.
“Generally, the bill, if passed, will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity. No doubt, adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint; hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills.
“Fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality and integrity. When Judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice,” Monguno added.
He also noted that the salary increments had been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Recently, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Nigerian Bar Association voiced their support for increasing judicial salaries, which were last reviewed 17 years ago.
They expressed their backing on May 20 during the Senate’s public hearing of “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries and Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Officeholders in Nigeria and Related Matters Bill, 2024,” organized by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.
