President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed a bill into law that significantly increases the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria by 300%.
The new law, which reflects the changing realities of the country, marks a historic adjustment in the compensation for Nigeria’s judiciary.
The signing of the bill was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
The bill had been passed by the National Assembly in June, following its transmission by President Tinubu as an executive bill.
Senator Lado praised the President’s decision, calling it a “landmark achievement” and evidence of Tinubu’s deep commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce. He emphasized that this move underscores the President’s prioritization of worker welfare, similar to the recent approval of a new national minimum wage of N70,000.
The new law not only prescribes updated salaries and benefits for judicial officers but also amends the Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002, by removing provisions related to judicial office holders from the original act.
Senator Lado urged judicial officers to reciprocate this gesture by redoubling their efforts to ensure that justice is served efficiently and fairly across the nation.
He highlighted the President’s visionary leadership and compassion for the Nigerian people as key drivers behind this significant policy shift.
This increase in compensation is seen as a crucial step in recognizing the vital role that the judiciary plays in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in Nigeria.