Senate supports N64m annual salary for Chief Justice of Nigeria, Supreme Court justices

The decision still needs approval of the president.

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking the upward review of salaries, allowances and other fringe benefits of judicial officers in the country.

This bill, which was passed on Wednesday, follows 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).

If the bill, which was earlier passed by the House of Representatives is approved by the president, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will get an annual salary of N64m.

The President of the Court of Appeal will be receive to N62.4m, while Justices of the Supreme Court will earn the sum of N61.4m each on an annual basis.

Also, 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.

Senator Monguno told his colleagues that stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill all supported the passage of the bill.

He also said that the passage of the bill was a good initiative considering the current economic realities of the country, and will allow judicial officers to ‘focus on their professional development without the worries of financial constraints.’

“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.

“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.”

Monguno added that the increment under consideration had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.