Understanding the Salary Structure of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Other Judges: Its Impact on the Judiciary
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has recently approved a bill aimed at increasing the salaries and allowances of judges across the country. This legislative development, which passed its third reading on Wednesday, March 20, was introduced by Honourable Julius Ihonvbere, representing the Owan East and West Federal Constituency of Edo State.
As per the new bill, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is set to receive a monthly remuneration of up to N5.3 million, inclusive of various allowances. This adjustment signifies an annual increase in the salary and benefits previously afforded to the Chief Justice, marking a significant uplift in their compensation package.
Furthermore, the bill delineates salary structures for other judicial positions. Justices of the Supreme Court are slated to earn a monthly salary of N4.2 million, while the President of the Court of Appeal will receive N4.4 million per month. Court of Appeal judges will be compensated with N3.7 million monthly, and junior judges are to earn N3.5 million per month. This comprehensive remuneration package includes full salaries, daily allowances, and provisions for fuel supply and vehicle maintenance.
This bill amends the existing legislation that outlines the ‘Salaries, Allowances, and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and Related Matters’. If enacted, this legislation will significantly alter the earnings of judicial officers, as follows:
Annual Salary of Judicial Office Holders:
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria will have an annual basic salary of :
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- Annual basic salary- N13,462,617.95 while monthly salary will be N1,121,884.83,
- Annual regular allowances– N51,157,948.21 and monthly regular allowances will be N4,263,162.35,
- Non-regular allowances: Leave Allowance) – N6,731,308.98 (when applicable),
- Duty Tour Allowance- N142,500 (per night),
- Estacode $2,000 (per night),
- Severance gratuity – N80,775,707.70 (after completion of tenure),
- Motor vehicle loan N53,850,471.80 (repay before end of tenure).
- Other Justices of the Supreme Court will receive an annual basic salary of:
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- Annual basic salary- N9,913,394.22 while monthly salary will be N826,116.19 ,
- Annual regular allowances– N50,558,310.52 while monthly salary will be N4,213,192.54
- Non-regular allowances– N9,913,394.22 for rent (annually),
- Leave Allowance: N4,956,697.11 (when applicable),
- Duty Tour Allowance- N100,000 (per night),
- Estacode- $1,300 (per night),
- Severance gratuity- N29,740,182.66 (after successful tenure),
- Furniture Allowance- N29,740,182.66,
- Motor vehicle loan- N39,653,576.88 (repay before tenure ends),
- The President of the Court of Appeal will have a similar salary and benefits package, with annual basic salary and allowances tailored to their position.
A prominent legal expert, Kayode Oluwafemi, Esq, commented on the implications of this salary increase for the judiciary. He believes that enhancing the salaries and allowances of judicial officials will significantly improve the judiciary’s functioning. Although he noted that the proposed salaries might still be modest compared to what some lawyers earn, this increment is a step in the right direction for ensuring judges can deliver judgments uninfluenced by external pressures.
Moreover, Oluwafemi pointed out that this salary adjustment is essential for maintaining judicial integrity and independence, especially given the economic challenges currently facing the country. He advocates for the President’s swift action in signing this bill into law, emphasizing its potential to mitigate corruption within the judiciary.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had previously called for an increase in the basic salaries of all judicial officers, indicating a concerted effort within the legal community to enhance the judiciary’s financial autonomy and operational independence.
The implementation of this bill marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s judicial history, promising to bolster the judiciary’s effectiveness through adequate compensation for its officers.