The House of Representatives has granted President Bola Tinubu’s request to increase the salary, allowances, and other benefits of judicial officers in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, March 20, the lower chamber of the National Assembly passed into law an act prescribing the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in the country.
The bill, which originated as an executive proposal from President Tinubu, aims to provide new salary structures and allowances for judicial officers and workers nationwide.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen presented the bill during plenary on Tuesday, March 19.
According to the legislation passed by lawmakers, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) will receive a total monthly package of 5,385,047.26.
Justices of the Supreme Court are set to earn a total package of N4, 213,192.54, while the President of the Court of Appeal will receive a total monthly package of N4, 478,415.78.
Additionally, justices of the Court of Appeal will enjoy a total monthly package of N3, 726,665.40.
Other beneficiaries include the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of State High Courts, Grand Khadis of State Sharia Courts of Appeal, Presidents of State Customary Courts of Appeal, with a total monthly package of N3, 527,022.61.
The reviewed monthly package covers basic salaries and all regular allowances such as motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, personal assistance, hardship, entertainment, utilities, security, outfit, journal subscription, medical, alongside service allowances, restricted or forced lifestyle, dual responsibility, and legal researchers.
In addition to the monthly package, the House approved other regular allowances not included in the total monthly package.
These include leave allowances, estacode per night of $2000 when applicable, duty tour allowances when applicable, severance gratuity of N80, 775,707.70 after the successful completion of tenure, as well as an optional motor vehicle loan to be repaid before the expiration of tenure.