President Tinubu Signs Bill Increasing Judges’ Salaries by 300 Percent

By Mo.  Hanif

In a significant policy move, President Bola Tinubu has enacted a bill that will see a dramatic 300 percent increase in the salaries and allowances for judicial office holders across Nigeria. The bill, which passed the Senate in June, has been a focal point of discussion among legal professionals and government officials alike. With the new legislation in effect, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is set to receive an impressive annual salary of N64 million, marking a substantial enhancement from previous remuneration levels.

The legislative change comes as part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to bolster the welfare of Nigeria's workforce. The decision was formally announced by Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, who highlighted that the increase is a testament to Tinubu’s "unwavering commitment" to improving the conditions for Nigeria’s judicial personnel. Lado pointed out that this development mirrors the President’s recent initiative to prioritize worker welfare, citing his action of pausing a Federal Executive Council meeting to sign the National Minimum Wage Bill, which raised the minimum wage to N70,000.

The bill’s passage and subsequent signing into law reflect a deepening of President Tinubu’s focus on enhancing the remuneration of Nigeria’s key institutions. The substantial pay rise for judges is expected to not only improve their standard of living but also to enhance the appeal of judicial positions, contributing to a more robust and motivated judiciary.

This legislative milestone has been welcomed by various stakeholders in the legal community, who see it as a significant step toward addressing long-standing issues related to the financial status of judicial office holders. By raising the salaries of judges, the government aims to ensure that judicial personnel are adequately compensated for their crucial roles in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law in the country.

The enactment of this bill is indicative of President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing efforts to address systemic issues within the Nigerian workforce, with a clear focus on ensuring fair compensation for those serving in vital public service roles.