The Senate has approved a bill to prescribe a 300 percent increase in salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders in Nigeria.
This development came after the adoption of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters’ report, presented by Chairman Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North).
The Executive bill, forwarded by the President, is titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters.”
According to the bill:
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria will receive a total monthly package of N5,385,047.26.
- Justices of the Supreme Court will earn a total package of N4,213,192.54.
- The President of the Court of Appeal will receive a total monthly package of N4,478,415.78.
- Justices of the Court of Appeal will earn a total monthly package of N3,726,665.40.
- Various other judicial office holders, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the President of the National Industrial Court, among others, will receive a total monthly package of N3,527,022.61.
Senator Monguno highlighted that stakeholders at the public hearing were unanimous in supporting the bill’s passage. He emphasized that the bill aligns with the justice sector reform initiatives of the current administration and is in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate’s standing rules.
Monguno stated, “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,” noting that it not only increases the basic salary but also considers the unique administrative structure and operation of the judiciary. Monguno asserted that the bill, if passed, would ensure judicial independence and integrity by providing appropriate and commensurate remuneration.
Monguno further explained, “Adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraints; 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.”
He also highlighted the importance of attractive remuneration for retaining highly qualified and experienced professionals in the judiciary and providing financial security to retired judicial officers. The proposed increments have been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
