The Senate on Wednesday, June 5, approved a bill granting a 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and st
The Red Chamber endorsed the report presented by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno representing Borno North.
This approval follows the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu. The bill sought to prescribe improved salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for judicial officers and workers.
The executive bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” was forwarded by the President.
If the bill is also passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the President, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will receive an annual salary of N64 million.
The President of the Court of Appeal will be entitled to N62.4 million annually, while Justices of the Supreme Court will each earn N61.4 million.
All 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, among others, would receive the same basic annual salary of N7.9 million.
Additionally, the Borno lawmaker informed his colleagues that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill unanimously supported its passage.
“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 said.
According to him, the bill is quite innovative, because apart from an increment in the basic salary, it also takes into consideration certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operational mechanism 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,” he said further.
He added that the proposed salary increase has been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
