President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill, which grants a remarkable 300 per cent salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels.
This historic legislation is a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of Nigeria’s judicial officers, underscoring the administration’s commitment to uplifting the judiciary, and, by extension, reinforcing the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
The signing of the bill was announced in a statement by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, in Abuja on Tuesday.
The National Assembly had earlier in June approved the bill, which was part of an executive proposal transmitted by President Tinubu. The bill sought to prescribe enhanced salaries, allowances, and other fringe benefits for judicial officers, recognising the need to reflect current economic realities.
Landmark Legislation Reflects Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
Lado noted that this development is a testament to President Tinubu’s prioritisation of Nigerian workers’ welfare.
“This extraordinary move underscores Mr President’s absolute prioritisation of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else,” Lado stated.
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He highlighted that this commitment is consistent with President Tinubu’s recent actions, including the signing of the new National Minimum Wage Bill, which increased the minimum wage to N70,000.
The newly enacted law, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” amends the existing Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No. 6, 2002.
This amendment specifically deletes provisions relating to judicial office holders from the earlier Act, thereby creating a more tailored and updated compensation structure for the judiciary.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Judiciary
Among the key features of the new law is the comprehensive revision of salaries, allowances, and benefits for judicial officers. This includes the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, and Justices of the Supreme Court, among others.
With the new salary structure, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will receive an annual salary of N64 million, while the President of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Justices will earn N62.4 million and N61.4 million, respectively.
Other high-ranking judicial officers, such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the President of the National Industrial Court, will earn a basic annual salary of N7.9 million.
Senator Lado hailed the President’s decision as a “landmark achievement” and a clear manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.
“By prioritising 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,” Lado remarked.
Impact on Justice Delivery and National Development
The salary increment is expected to have a profound impact on the judiciary’s effectiveness, with Lado urging judicial officers to redouble their efforts in ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and impartially.
“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.
Furthermore, the increase is seen as part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to ensure that those serving in vital and strategic roles within the nation are adequately compensated. This initiative is consistent with his administration’s vision of a prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where the dignity of labor is upheld, and every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Collaboration and Support from the National Assembly
Senator Lado also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, for their patriotic commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. He lauded the members of the 10th National Assembly for their collaborative efforts in passing the bill and transmitting it to the President for assent.
This collective effort, according to Lado, is a reflection of the lawmakers’ dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians and ensuring that the nation’s workforce is justly rewarded.
A Vision for the Future
As Nigeria looks to the future, the approval of this bill signals a new era of commitment to the welfare of the judiciary and, by extension, all workers across various sectors.
“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,” Lado concluded.
With this landmark decision, Nigeria’s judicial officers are set to experience improved financial well-being, which is expected to translate into a more robust and effective justice delivery system. The nation, in turn, is expected to benefit from a judiciary that is better equipped and motivated to uphold the rule of law, thereby fostering greater confidence in the legal system and contributing to national development.
