The Nigerian Senate has approved an executive bill seeking a 300% increase in salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders in Nigeria.
The bill was passed after the adoption of a report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters presented by the Chairman of the committee, Mohammed Monguno (Borno North).
Titled, “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters”, the bill was transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.
It provides a total monthly package of N5,385,047.26 for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN); Justices of the Supreme Court will earn a total package of N4,213,192.54, while the President of the Court of Appeal will earn a monthly package of N4,478,415.78.
Also, Justices of the Court of Appeal are to earn a total monthly package of N3,726,665.40, while the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi, FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge State High Court, Grand Khadi of State Sharia Court of Appeal and President of State Customary Court of Appeal are to earn a total monthly package of N3,527,022.61.
Monguno, while presenting the report, said stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill were unanimous in their support for its passage. He noted that the purpose of the bill is expedient and sacrosanct to the justice sector reform initiative of the present administration.
“The proposed legislation is apt and timely as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is long overdue in light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country.
“Generally, the bill, if passed, will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.
“That 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.
“That certainly, the bill, if passed, will give financial security to retired judicial officers after years of dedication in the profession and allow them to remain comfortable during their retirement.
“The increment under consideration has been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act,” he added.
