National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Funmi Ojo
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), alongside the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Nigerian Bar Association, have endorsed calls for increase of judges’ salaries, noting that the last review occurred 17 years ago.
Their support was voiced during a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances, and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Officeholders in Nigeria and Related Matters Bill, 2024,” organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.
The House of Representatives had previously passed the bill on March 20, proposing a monthly package of N5.39 million for the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In his address, the AGF acknowledged past efforts to improve judicial officers’ remuneration but lamented the inaction on previous recommendations.
He highlighted that while other sectors have seen salary reviews, the judiciary has remained stagnant for over 16 years, which he deemed unacceptable.
Justice Ariwoola echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the adverse effects on judicial efficiency and the welfare of citizens if judges’ salaries are not increased.
He pointed out the significant depreciation in the value of salaries over the years, stressing the urgent need for intervention.
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, supported the initiative, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of judicial officers and improving the dispensation of justice in the country.
The stakeholders however, urged swift action on the bill to address the longstanding issue and ensure fair and dignified compensation for judges, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian judiciary and its citizens.
