BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Despite the shaky economy, President Bola Tinubu has raised the salaries of judicial officers at the Federal and State levels to 300 percent.
This implied that the Chief Judge Of Nigeria will henceforth earn a whooping N64 million annually while while the President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million.
News Rider reports that from August 1 to 10, 2024, Nigerians took to the streets nationwide in protest of the escalating hunger and hardship triggered by the economic policies of the APC-led administration.
Tagged #EndBadGovernance protest, a non-governmental organisation, Amnesty International had alleged that Nigerian security forces killed at least 22 persons during the demonstration, although the police disputed the claim.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado said on Tuesday in Abuja that the President has signed the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill into law.
According to Lado: "This extraordinary move underscores Mr President’s absolute prioritization of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else just like he did when he recently put on hold an ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of N70,000.
"The new Act prescribed salaries, allowances, etc., for Judicial Officers to reflect the changing realities and consequentially amend the provisions of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.), Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) to delete the provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders."
He stated that the salient features of the Act included the prescription of salaries, allowances, and other benefits for judicial officers.
Also, the amendment of certain political, public, and judicial office holders (salaries and allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) which provided for the deletion of provisions relating to judicial office holders from the aforementioned Act.”
He described the signing of the bill by the President as a landmark achievement and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.
Lado said: "In a demonstration of his visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Nigerian people, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON has once again affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation’s workforce by assenting to the revised Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Office Holders.
"This landmark decision reflects Mr President’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner in Nigeria, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve.
"By prioritizing the financial well-being of our judicial officers, Mr President is not only reinforcing the integrity of our justice system but also setting a new standard for leadership that truly values the hard work and sacrifices of all Nigerian workers.”
He added: "Under President Tinubu’s administration, the welfare of our workers has become a central pillar of national progress.
“His visionary policies continue to uplift the lives of millions, ensuring that the dignity of labour is upheld and that those who serve our nation are justly rewarded.
“This assent is a clear testament to Mr. President’s tireless efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s greatness.
“As we look to the future with hope and determination, Mr President remains steadfast in his mission to champion initiatives that deliver fair compensation, improved working conditions, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
Lado commended the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas for their patriotic commitment in improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He praised the members of the 10th National Assembly for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians by passing and transmitting the executive Bill which has now been promptly assented to by the President.
Lado enjoined judicial office holders in the country to redouble their efforts in ensuring that justice is served and speedily in view of the actions of the President aimed at enhancing their overall welfare and well-being.
"The judiciary remains the hope of the common man and it is hoped that Nigerians seeking justice get it irrespective of their status in life," he added.
Earlier Moves
Recall that in March 2024, the President sent an executive bill to the National Assembly on the need to review the salaries of judicial officers.
The bill was read on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Speaker, Hon Abbas.
In the President's letter to both chambers of the national assembly, the president informed that the bill sought to end the prolonged stagnation of the remuneration of judicial officers, adding that it would improve their welfare.
Thereafter, the House of Representatives approved Mr Tinubu’s request to increase the salaries and allowances of judicial officers.
Also in June 2024, the Senate endorsed the bill seeking to prescribe improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria by 300 per cent.
The development followed the adoption of a report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters presented by the Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno (Borno North).
Forwarded by the President, the bill was titled "A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters".
Monguno noted that the bill was in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the standing rules of the Senate.
He said: "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."
Monguno said the bill was quite innovative, adding that aside from the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognisance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.
He added: "Generally the bill, if passed will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.
"When judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice.
"The bill if passed will give financial security to retired judicial officers after years of dedication in the profession and allowing them to remain comfortable during their retirement."
Breakdown
Below are the breakdown of the increased salaries of judicial officers.
Chief Judge Of Nigeria –CJN
Given the new law, the CJN is expected to earn an annual basic salary of N13,462,617.95, equivalent to N1,121,884.83 monthly.
For the regular allowances, the CJN will earn N51.2 million annually.
The CJN is also entitled to N80,775,707 as severance gratuity, to be paid after successful completion of tenure. The sum of N6,731,308 was set aside as the leave allowance; N142,500 for duty tour allowance per night, and $2,000 for estacode per night.
The remaining allowances are categorised as annually and monthly.
Motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, to be provided. Personal assistant N3,365,654.49 and N280,471.21.
Hardship N6,731,308.98 and N560,942.41.
Domestic Staff, to be provided.
Entertainment N6,058,178.08 and N504,848.17.
Utilities N4,038,785.39 and N336,565.45.
Security, to be provided.
Outfit N3,365,654.49 and N280,471.21.
Journal subscription N2,019,392.69 and N168,282.72.
Medical N5,385,047.18 and N448,753.93.
Long service allowance N1,346,261.80 and N112,188.48.
Professional development assistant, to be provided.
Restricted or forced lifestyle N6,731,308.98 and N560,942.41.
Dual responsibility N2,692,532.59 and N224,376.97.
Legal researchers N9,423,832.57 and N785,319.38.
Accommodation and Furniture, to be provided.
Motor vehicle loan N53,850,471.80 (monthly) to be repaid before the expiration of tenure.
Justices Of The Supreme Court
In the new law, Justices of the Supreme Court will earn the sum of N9,913,394.22 as an annual basic salary, equivalent to N826,116 monthly.
Added to this is the N5,046,308 million regular allowances annually.
The justice is also entitled to N29,740,182 as severance gratuity, to be paid after successful completion of tenure. The sum of N4,956,697 was also set aside as the leave allowance, N100,000 for duty tour allowance per night, and $1,300 for estacode per night.
The remaining allowances are categorised as annually and monthly.
Motor vehicle fueling and maintenance N7,435,045 and N619,587.
Personal assistant N2,478,348 and N206,529.
Hardship N4,956,697 and N413,058.
Domestic Staff N7,435,045 and N619,587.
Entertainment N4,461,027 and N371,752.
Utilities N2,974,018 and N247,834.
Security, to be provided.
Outfit N2,478,348 and N206,529.
Journal subscription N1,487,009 and N123,917.
Medical N3,965,397 and N337,446.
Long service allowance N991, 339 and N82,611.
Professional development assistant, to be provided.
Restricted or forced lifestyle N4,956,697 and N413,058.
Legal researchers N6,939,375 and N578,281.
Rent N9,913,394 (annually)
Furniture N29,740, 182 and (Once in four years)
Motor vehicle loan N39,653,576 (annually) to be repaid before the expiration of tenure.
President Of The Court Of Appeal
The President of the Court of Appeal will earn N9,913,394.22 as an annual basic salary, equivalent to N826,116.19 monthly.
About N5,211,541 million was also set aside as regular allowances.
The president of the court of appeal is also entitled to N29,740,182.66 as severance gratuity, to be paid after successful completion of tenure. The sum of N4,956,697.11 was meant as the leave allowance, N100,000 for duty tour allowance per night, and $1,300 for estacode per night.
The remaining allowances are categorised as annually and monthly.
Motor vehicle fueling and maintenance N7,435,045 and N619,587.
Personal assistant N2,478,348 and N206,529.
Hardship N4,956,697 and N413,058.
Domestic Staff N7,435,045 and N619,587.
Entertainment N4,461,027 and 371,752.
Utilities N2,974,018 and N247,834.
Security, to be provided.
Outfit N2,478,348 and N206,529.
Journal subscription N1,487,009 and N123,917.
Medical N3,965,397 and N337,446.
Long service allowance N991, 339 and N82,61.
Professional development assistant, to be provided.
Restricted or forced lifestyle N4,956,697 and N413,058.
Legal researchers N6,939,375 and N578,281.
Dual Responsibility N1,982,768 and N165,223.
Rent N9,913,394 (annually).
Chief Judge Of The Federal High Court
In this category, 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, President of the National Industrial Court, Grand Kadi of FCT sharia Court of Appeal; President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of State High Court, Grand Kadi of State Sharia Court of Appeal and President of the State Customary Court of Appeal would earn the same salary.
The chief judge of the Federal high court is expected to earn an annual basic salary of N7,985,711, equivalent to N665,475 monthly. The regular allowances is N4,192,597 monthly.
Other entitlements are N23,957,134.74 for severance gratuity; N85,500 as duty tour allowance per night, $1,100 for estacode per night, and N31,942,846.72 as motor vehicle loan to be repaid before expiration of tenure.
The remaining allowances are categorised as annually and monthly.
Motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, N5,989,283.69 and N499,106.97.
Personal Assistant N1,996,427.90 and N166,366.99.
Hardship N3,992,855.79 and N332,737.98.
Domestic Staff N5,989,283.69 and N499,106.97.
Entertainment N3,593,570.21 and N299,464.18.
Utilities N2,395,713.47 and N199,642.79.
Security, to be provided.
Outfit N1,996,427.90 and N166,368.99.
Journal subscription N1,197,856.74 and N99,821.40.
Medical N3,194,284.63 and 266,190.39.
Long service allowance N798,571.16 and N66,647.60.
Professional development assistant, to be provided.
Restricted or forced lifestyle N3,992,855.79 and N332,737.98.
Legal researchers N5,589,998.11 and N465,833.18.
Dual Responsibility N1,597,142.32 and N133,095.91.
Judges Of The Federal High Court
The Judges of the Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, FCT High Court, FCT Customary Court of Appeal, State High Court, State Customary Court of Appeal, Kadi's FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, and Kadi's State Sharia Court of Appeal are on the same salary scale.
By the law, they will earn an annual basic salary of N7,222,569, equivalent to N601,880 monthly. The total regular allowances falls within N3,671,272.84.
Also, N21,677,708 for severance gratuity; N57,000 as duty tour allowance per night, $600 for estacode per night, and N28,890.277 as motor vehicle loan to be repaid before expiration of tenure.
The remaining allowances are categorised as annually and monthly.
Motor vehicle fueling and maintenance N5,416,927.11 and N451,410.59.
Personal Assistant N1,805,642.37 and N150,470.20.
Hardship N3,611,284.74 and N300,940.40.
Domestic Staff N5,416,927.11 and N451,410.59.
Entertainment N3,250,156.27 and N270,846.36.
Utilities N2,166,770.84 and N180,564.24.
Security, to be provided.
Outfit N1,805,642.37 and N150,270.20.
Journal subscription N1,083,385.42 and N90,282.12.
Medical N2,889,207.79 and N240,752.32.
Long service allowance N722,256.95 and N60,188.08.
Professional development assistant, to be provided.
Restricted or forced lifestyle N3,611,284.74 and N300,940.40.
Legal researchers N5,055,798.64 and N421,316.55.
The increment is happening at a time the President pegged the payment of new minimum wage for workers in both the public and private sectors to N70, 000, insisting that paying above the approved sum would lead to mass sack in the public service.
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