AGS NEWS – On Wednesday, the Senate approved a bill granting a 300% salary increase for federal and state judicial officers.

The approval followed a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, led by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC-Borno North).

The bill, transmitted by President Bola Tinubu, aims to enhance salaries, allowances, and other benefits for judicial officers.

If the House of Representatives also passes the bill and the President signs it into law, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will receive an annual salary of N64 million.

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The President of the Court of Appeal will earn N62.4 million, and Supreme Court Justices will receive 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 have a basic salary of N7.9 million annually.

During the bill’s discussion, Senator Monguno highlighted that stakeholders unanimously supported the bill, emphasizing the necessity of increased judicial remuneration given the current economic conditions and high inflation.

He noted that the bill is innovative, considering the unique administrative and operational needs of the judiciary. He added that the increase in remuneration is included in the 2024 Appropriation Act.