Judicial Officers' Salaries Triple, Senate Approves New Wage
The Senate approves a 300 percent pay rise for the Chief Justice and other judges
On Wednesday, June 5, the Senate passed a bill that would have increased the pay of federal and state court officers by 300 percent.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, led by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who is a representative of Borno North, delivered a report that was approved by the Red Chamber.
This clearance comes after President Bola Tinubu's executive measure was reviewed and adopted. The measure aimed to provide court officers and employees with better pay, perks, and other ancillary services.
The executive bill's name is; “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.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will get a salary of N64 million per year if the law is also approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the President.
The annual salary of the President of the Court of Appeal is N62.4 million, but the Justices of the Supreme Court would receive N61.4 million apiece.
The Basic Annual Salary of N7.9 million will be paid to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the President of the National Industrial Court, and all other heads of various courts.
The member from Borno also told his colleagues that everyone who attended the bill's public hearing was in favor of it passing.
“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.
He states that the law is highly inventive since, in addition to raising the base pay, it also accounts for some unique features of the judicial system's operational procedures and organizational structure.
“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 went on to say that the 2024 Appropriations Act contains the suggested salary rise.
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