Punch Newspaper said that the Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that will update the pay, benefits, and other ancillary services provided to judicial officers nationwide. This follows the presentation of the report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which was headed by Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North).CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Once the bill, previously endorsed by the House of Representatives, receives the President’s assent, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will enjoy an annual salary of N64m.
Similarly, the President of the Court of Appeal will be entitled to N62.4m, while Justices of the Supreme Court will see their earnings increase to N61.4m each.
It is worth noting that all heads of various courts, such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court among others, will now have a uniform basic salary of N7.9 million per year.
During his address to his colleagues, Senator Monguno emphasized the unwavering support of stakeholders at the public hearing for the bill’s passage.
He noted, “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.”
The Senator further stressed that this bill, if passed, will establish an appropriate and proportional remuneration system, ultimately ensuring the paramount values of 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,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this proposed increment has already been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act, ensuring its fiscal feasibility.
The call for an increase in judges’ salaries has garnered support from various individuals, including 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.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>