The Senate has passed a bill seeking to prescribe improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial officers in Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters at plenary in Abuja on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), said stakeholders at the public hearing of the bill were unanimous in their support for its passage.
Monguno stated that the purposes of the bill were sacrosanct to the justice sector reform initiative of the present administration.
He said the bill was in consonance with Nigerian Constitution and the standing rules of the Senate.
According to him, the proposed legislation is apt and timely, as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is long overdue, in light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country.
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The lawmaker noted that the bill was innovative, as aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognisance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.
Monguno added: “Generally, the bill, if passed will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity.
“No doubt, adequate remuneration will allow judicial officers to focus on their professional development without worrying about financial constraint.
“Hence, it will improve their professionalism and decision making skills. Fair compensation for judicial officers is crucial for maintaining public trust in judiciary’s impartiality and integrity.
“When Judges are adequately compensated, it demonstrates a commitment by society towards the important role they play in upholding justice.”
The senator further stated that the increase in remuneration for judicial officers was essential to attract and retain highly qualified and experienced professionals, who possessed the necessary skills, knowledge, and integrity to serve on the bench.
“Certainly, the bill, if passed will give financial security to retired judicial officers, after years of dedication in the profession and allowing them to remain comfortable during their retirement,” Monguno said.
He added that the increment under consideration had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
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