NewsNigeriaPoliticsSenate Approves 300% Salary Increase for Nigerian Judges

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill granting a significant pay rise to judicial officers across the country. The legislation proposes a 300 per cent increase in salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, and all other judges at both federal and state levels.

This decision comes after a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Monguno, was presented and adopted by the lawmakers.

The committee argued that the raise is necessary due to current economic realities and high inflation.

“Adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint,” Monguno said. “Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision-making skills, and fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.”

The exact figures for the new salaries have been reported with CJN Olukayode Ariwoola expected to receive an annual salary of N64 million, while Justices of the Supreme Court would get N61.4 million.

Other judges would also see substantial increases in their compensation. President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, N62.4 million; Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, N7.9 million; President of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, N7.9 million; and Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, N7.9 million.

The bill’s passage by the Senate is a significant step, but it still needs to be approved by the House of Representatives before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for his signature.