By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Nigerian Senate has okayed a bill seeking an upward review of salaries, allowances and other fringe benefits of the country’s Chief Justice to the tune of 64 million Naira ($41,349.77) along with other judicial officers.
This came after the adoption of the Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters presented by the Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) on Wednesday.
The Bill has earlier been passed by the House of Representatives.
If it receives presidential assent, President of the Court of Appeal will also be entitled to N62.4m ($40,057), while Justices of the Supreme Court will earn the sum of N61.4m each annually.
All heads of the various courts, such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the President of the National Industrial Court, among others, would earn the same basic salary of N7.9 million annually.
Sen. Monguno told his colleagues that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill unanimously supported its passage.
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“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 added.
The lawmaker added that the increment under consideration had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Heritage Times HT reports that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Nigerian Bar Association had recently voiced their support for the call to increase the salaries of judges in the country, which they said was last reviewed 17 years ago.
Poor welfare package for judicial officers has been associated with corruption in the judiciary in Nigeria, with some alleging that judgements are procured by the highest bidder.
