Politics

Tinubu Approves 300% Salary Increase for Judicial Officers

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 13th, 2024.

Tinubu Approves 300% Salary Increase for Judicial Officers

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill into law, resulting in a 300% salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels.

Senator Basheer Lado, the President’s Special Adviser on Senate Matters, announced this development in Abuja on Tuesday. The National Assembly had passed the bill in June, which followed an executive proposal from the President aimed at significantly enhancing salaries, allowances, and benefits for judicial personnel.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters,” reflects an effort to update the compensation framework for the judiciary.

Lado noted that this move highlights President Tinubu’s strong commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, citing his recent suspension of a Federal Executive Council meeting to sign the National Minimum Wage Bill into law.

The new legislation updates the provisions of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended), removing outdated clauses related to judicial officers.

Key features of the Act include revised salaries and benefits for judicial officers and the amendment of previous salary regulations. Lado praised the President’s action as a significant achievement that underscores his dedication to fair compensation for those in crucial roles.

He added, “President Tinubu’s leadership continues to uplift the nation’s workforce, ensuring that all workers, particularly those in key positions, are appropriately recognized and rewarded.”

Lado also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen for their dedication to enhancing Nigerians’ welfare and praised the 10th National Assembly for their role in passing the bill.

He encouraged judicial officers to continue upholding justice with renewed vigor, acknowledging their critical role in serving the public.

According to reports, the new salary structure will see the Chief Justice of Nigeria earn N64 million annually, the President of the Court of Appeal N62.4 million, and Supreme Court Justices N61.4 million each. Heads of various courts, such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the President of the National Industrial Court, will receive N7.9 million annually.