On Wednesday, Nigeria’s Senate passed a bill granting a 300% pay rise for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and all other judicial officers.
The Senate approved the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters report, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC- Borno North). This followed the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, which sought to improve salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for judicial officers and workers.
The executive 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,” was forwarded by President Tinubu. If similarly passed by the House of Representatives and signed by the President, the bill will grant the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, an annual salary of N64 million.
The President of the Court of Appeal will receive N62.4 million, while Justices of the Supreme Court will each earn N61.4 million annually. 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, will earn an annual basic salary of N7.9 million.
Senator Monguno emphasized that stakeholders at the public hearing unanimously supported 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 light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country. 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 society’s commitment to the vital role they play in upholding justice.”
The increase has been included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
This significant pay rise has sparked debate. Proponents argue it will strengthen judicial independence and attract qualified candidates, while critics raise concerns about fiscal responsibility and potential public perception issues.
