Senate approves 300% salary increase for CJN, other judicial officers

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate adopted a bill that would enhance judicial officers’ salaries by 300% at both the federal and state levels.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC-Borno North), presented the report that led to this ruling.

The approval followed the consideration and adoption of an executive bill transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at prescribing improved salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for judicial officers and workers. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” the bill outlines the new salary structure for various judicial positions.

Under the new bill, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will receive a total monthly package of ₦5,385,047.26. Justices of the Supreme Court will earn ₦4,213,192.54, while the President of the Court of Appeal will earn ₦4,478,415.78 per month.

Justices of the Court of Appeal are set to earn a total monthly package of ₦3,726,665.40. Additionally, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of state High Courts, Grand Khadi of State Sharia Courts of Appeal, and Presidents of state Customary Courts of Appeal will each receive ₦3,527,022.61 per month.

This significant salary adjustment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers, aiming to ensure they are adequately compensated and motivated in their roles.