The House of Representatives has recently passed a significant bill focused on enhancing the compensation packages for judicial office holders in Nigeria. This legislative move aims to address long-standing concerns about the adequacy of salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for individuals serving in key judicial roles across the country.
Under the provisions of the bill, which was submitted to the Green Chamber by President Bola Tinubu, a comprehensive framework has been established for determining the monthly compensation of judicial office holders. Among the notable provisions, the Chief Justice of Nigeria is set to receive a substantial monthly package totaling N5.39 million.
The bill also outlines the proposed monthly packages for other key judicial positions. Justices of the Supreme Court are slated to earn a total package of N4.21 million, while the President of the Court of Appeal is earmarked to receive N4.48 million monthly.
Similarly, justices of the Court of Appeal will earn a total monthly package of N3.73 million, while the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi, FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the State High Court and Grand Khadi of State Sharia Court of Appeal, and President of the State Customary Court of Appeal will earn a total monthly package of N3.53 million.
These monthly compensation packages are comprehensive, covering various aspects such as basic salaries and a range of regular allowances. Allowances are allocated for essential needs such as car fueling and maintenance, personal assistance, hardship, entertainment, utilities, security, outfit, journal subscriptions, medical expenses, service allowances, restricted or forced lifestyle, dual responsibility, and legal researchers.
In addition to these regular allowances, the bill also provides for other job-related benefits. These include leave allowances, estacode per night of $2,000 where applicable, duty tour allowances, and severance gratuity of N80.78 million upon the completion of a tenure. Furthermore, judicial office holders have the option to avail themselves of a motor vehicle loan, with repayment expected before the expiration of their tenure.
This legislation represents a significant step towards ensuring fair and adequate compensation for judicial office holders, recognizing the crucial role they play in upholding justice and the rule of law in Nigeria. By providing competitive compensation packages, the bill seeks to attract and retain talented individuals within the judiciary, thereby bolstering the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s judicial system.