On Wednesday, the Senate passed a bill proposing an increase in the salaries, allowances, and other benefits for judicial officers across Nigeria. This decision followed the adoption of a report from the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, presented by Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North).
If the bill, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives, receives presidential assent, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will earn an annual salary of N64 million. The President of the Court of Appeal will receive N62.4 million, and each Justice of the Supreme Court will earn 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 receive a basic salary of N7.9 million per year.
Senator Monguno emphasized that the bill received unanimous support from stakeholders during a public hearing. He stated that the legislation is timely and necessary, given the current economic realities and high inflation in the country. The bill is considered innovative as it not only increases the basic salary but also addresses the unique administrative and operational aspects of the judiciary.
According to Monguno, the bill aims to ensure judicial independence and integrity by providing appropriate and fair remuneration. Adequate compensation for judicial officers is seen as essential for maintaining public trust in the judiciary's impartiality and integrity. It allows judges to focus on their professional development without financial concerns, thereby improving their decision-making skills and professionalism.
The salary increments have already been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act. 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 recently voiced their support for increasing judges' salaries, which have not been reviewed in 17 years.
Their support was expressed during a Senate public hearing on May 20, organized by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, for the bill titled "A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries and Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Officeholders in Nigeria and Related Matters Bill, 2024."
