In a move aimed at bolstering judicial independence, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill proposing a significant increase in salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judges and judicial officers across Nigeria.
The bill, titled “Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Bill, 2024,” was reportedly initiated by President Tinubu himself. It seeks to address concerns about stagnant wages for judges, which some argue has impacted their ability to live comfortably and impartially.
The bill passed through the Third Reading in the lower chamber on Wednesday. It seeks to amend Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act, No. 6, 2002 (as amended) by deleting Section 2(b), Part II of the Schedule to the Act and any other provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders.
According to the document obtained by MDB, part I of the schedule shows that the Chief Justice of Nigeria is entitled to: N13,462,617.95 annual basic salary or N1,121,884.83 monthly salary. He is also entitled to: N51,157,948.21 annual regular allowances or N4,263,162.35 monthly regular allowances.
The CJN is also entitled to non-regular allowances of: N6,731,308.98 Leave Allowance (when applicable), N142,500 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $2,000 estacode (per night); N80,775,707.70 severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure) and N53,850,471.80 as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.
Other Justices of the Supreme Court are entitled to N9,913,394.22 annual basic salary or N826,116.19 monthly salary. Each of them is also entitled to: N50,558,310.52 annual regular allowances or N4,213,192.54 monthly regular allowances.
Each apex court judge is also entitled to non-regular allowances of: N9,913,394.22 for Rent (annually); N4,956,697.11 Leave Allowance (when applicable), N100,000 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,300 estacode (per night); N29,740,182.66 severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure), N29,740,182.66 furniture Allowance and N39,653,576.88 as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before the expiration of tenure), while Professional Development Assistant is to be paid from the NJC pool.
The President hopes the improved remuneration will enhance the welfare, capacity, and ultimately, the independence of the judiciary. Proponents of the bill believe that better-compensated judges will be less susceptible to financial pressures that could compromise their rulings.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. If passed by both chambers and signed into law, it could mark a significant change for Nigeria’s judicial system. However, it’s important to note that the details of the proposed salary increases haven’t been made public yet.
The development comes amidst calls for judicial reform in Nigeria. While some see this as a positive step, it’s likely to spark debate about the broader economic context and potential strain on public finances.
