President Tinubu Boosts Judicial Salaries by 300%: Chief Justice to Earn N64M Annually

Groundbreaking move to enhance the welfare of Nigeria’s judiciary, President Tinubu has officially signed the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill into law, marking a remarkable 300% increase in salaries for judicial officers nationwide. This landmark decision was confirmed by Senator Basheer Lado, the President’s Special Adviser on Senate Matters, in a statement released on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The newly enacted legislation aims to significantly elevate the financial remuneration of both federal and state judicial officers. This follows the National Assembly’s approval of the President’s executive bill in June, designed to raise the salaries and allowances of those serving in the judiciary.

Under the new law, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will now receive an impressive annual salary of N64 million. The President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million per year, while Supreme Court Justices will receive N61.4 million annually. Additionally, Chief Judges of the Federal High Court, FCT High Court, and National Industrial Court will have their annual salaries set at N7.9 million each.

Senator Lado highlighted that this significant pay raise demonstrates President Tinubu’s dedication to improving the conditions for Nigerian workers, including those in the judicial sector. He noted that this commitment is further illustrated by the President’s recent decision to pause a Federal Executive Council meeting to sign the National Minimum Wage Bill, which set the new minimum wage at N70,000.

In his statement, Senator Lado urged judicial officers to continue their diligent efforts in ensuring prompt and equitable justice, emphasizing the judiciary’s crucial role as a beacon of hope for Nigerians.

This transformative legislation reflects a substantial investment in the judiciary’s future, aiming to bolster the overall effectiveness and morale of judicial officers throughout the country.