By Raymond Ebireri
The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill seeking to increase the remuneration, allowances, and other entitlement benefits of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and other judicial officers in the country. The bill passed through the third reading on the floor of the house on Wednesday, 5th June 2024.
The passage of the bill followed the adoption of the report from the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented by the chairman, Senator Mohammed Monguno, representing APC Borno North. The lawmaker stated, “Adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraints, hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills.”
He further stated that “fair compensation of judicial officers will increase public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.” Monguno added that the increment under consideration has been captured under the 2024 Appropriation Act.
If the bill passed by the Senate is assented to by the President, the CJN will earn an annual salary of ₦64 million. The President of the Court of Appeal will earn ₦62.4 million and Justices of the Supreme Court will earn ₦61.4 million each.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court, Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court will be entitled to a salary of ₦7.9 million annually.