The Senate has passed a bill seeking to prescribe improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders in Nigeria by 300 percent. This development followed the adoption of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters report, presented by the committee 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.” The bill provides a total monthly package of N5,385,047.26 for the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Justices of the Supreme Court are to earn a total package of N4,213,192.54, while the President of the Court of Appeal is to earn a total monthly package of N4,478,415.78.
Additionally, justices of the Court of Appeal are to earn a total monthly package of N3,726,665.40, while the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of State High Court, Grand Khadi of State Sharia Court of Appeal, and President of the State Customary Court of Appeal are to earn a total monthly package of N3,527,022.61.
Monguno stated that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill were unanimous in their support for its passage. He emphasized that the bill is crucial to the justice sector reform initiative of the current administration. He noted that the bill aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the standing rules of the Senate.
Monguno said, “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 peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.
He added, “Generally, the bill, if passed, will provide appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity. 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. When judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice.”
Monguno emphasized that the increase in remuneration for judicial office holders is essential to attract and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals who possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and integrity to serve on the bench. He noted that the bill, if passed, would provide financial security to retired judicial officers after years of dedication, allowing them to remain comfortable during retirement. He also mentioned that the increment has been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.