The Nigerian Senate is set to conduct a public hearing today at 12 pm on a proposal to increase the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judges and other judicial officers across the nation.

This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the welfare of the judiciary, aiming to strengthen its independence and efficiency.

A notice for the hearing, identified as NASS/S/CJHL/024 10th Sen/2024/01, has been specifically addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The notice invites the AGF to share his insights and recommendations on the proposed salary adjustments.

Senator Mohammed Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, detailed the Senate’s decision in a letter dated May 14, 2024.

According to Monguno, “The Senate, at its Plenary Sitting, considered the Judiciary Officers (Salaries and Allowances etc.) Bill 2024, and referred the same to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action.”

He added, “The committee, in furtherance of its mandate, held a series of meetings and resolved to conduct a public hearing to elicit comments and viewpoints on the bill from stakeholders and the general public.”

This legislative action follows the passage of a similar bill by the House of Representatives, initially proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The bill aims to readjust the compensation framework for judicial officers, aligning with ongoing discussions about the necessity of adequate remuneration to bolster judicial independence.