On Wednesday, the Senate approved a bill that grants a 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels.
The Red Chamber ratified the report presented by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC-Borno North).
This approval follows the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu. The bill aims to prescribe improved salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for 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 executive bill, if similarly passed by the House of Representatives and assented to by the President, will result in significant salary increases for various judicial positions.
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, while Justices of the Supreme Court will earn N61.4 million each.
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, would earn an annual basic salary of N7.9 million.
Senator Monguno told his colleagues that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill unanimously supported its passage. He emphasized the necessity and timeliness of the proposed legislation, stating, “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 described the bill as “quite innovative” because it not only includes an increment in the basic salary but also considers the unique administrative structure 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 said. He highlighted the importance of adequate remuneration in allowing judicial officers to focus on their professional development without financial worries, 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 added.
Monguno also noted that the proposed salary increments have been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
