The Senate, on Wednesday, approved a bill granting a 300% salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels.
The approval came after the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC- Borno North), presented the report to the lawmakers.
This decision followed the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, which aimed to enhance the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial officers and workers.
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 seeks to significantly improve the compensation of judicial officers.
If similarly passed by the House of Representatives and assented to by the President, the bill will grant the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, an annual salary of N64 million.
The President of the Court of Appeal will be entitled to N62.4 million, while Justices of the Supreme Court will earn N61.4 million each.
Additionally, all heads of various courts, such as 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, among others, will receive an annual basic salary of N7.9 million.
Senator Monguno emphasized the unanimous support from stakeholders at the public hearing for the bill’s passage. “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,” he stated.
He described the bill as “quite innovative,” noting that it not only proposes an increment in the basic salary but also considers the unique administrative 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,” Monguno added.
Adequate remuneration, he argued, would allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without financial concerns, thereby improving 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,” he said.
He also mentioned that the proposed salary increments have been accounted for in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
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