JUST IN: Senate Passes Bill Increasing Salaries of Judicial Officers; CJN to Earn N5.39m Monthly

The Senate has passed a bill aimed at increasing the salaries and allowances of judicial officers across Nigeria. The bill, titled “A bill for an act to prescribe the salaries, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria and for related matters (2024),” successfully scaled second reading following a thorough consideration and debate by the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ashiru Yisa, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, garnered widespread support after its presentation. It aims to address the longstanding issue of inadequate remuneration for judicial officers, with the objective of enhancing their welfare, capacity, and independence.

Under the provisions of the bill, significant increases in monthly packages are proposed for various categories of judicial officers. Notably, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is slated to receive a monthly package of N5.39 million, while Justices of the Supreme Court are set to earn a total package of N4.21 million. Additionally, other judicial officers at different levels will also benefit from improved compensation, ranging from N3.53 million to N4.48 million monthly.

President Bola Tinubu’s advocacy for this bill, as articulated in a letter read during a previous session, emphasized the importance of bolstering the judiciary’s independence and capacity through enhanced remuneration.

During the deliberations, Senators expressed unanimous support for the bill, recognizing its pivotal role in fortifying the judiciary and ensuring the delivery of just and fair judgments. Senator Barau Jibrin particularly commended President Tinubu for championing the cause of judicial officers, highlighting the silent struggles they endure without recourse to protests or agitation.

The move to increase judicial salaries received widespread acclaim, with Senators acknowledging its crucial significance for the nation’s development and the preservation of judicial integrity. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emphasized the importance of keeping the judiciary comfortable to uphold its vital role in the country’s legal system.

Following the Senate’s approval, the bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further legislative scrutiny. The committee is expected to provide additional input within four weeks, signaling a concerted effort to expedite the bill’s passage into law and implement the proposed salary adjustments for judicial officers nationwide.