President Bola Tinubu has signed a bill into law that provides a 300 percent salary increase for judicial officers at both federal and state levels in the country.
TRUTHNG reports that Tinubu consented to the Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances Bill into law on Tuesday.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja today by Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
It could be recalled that in June, the National Assembly approved the bill that provides a whooping salary increase for judicial officers by 300%.
This decision followed the review and acceptance of an executive bill submitted by the President, which aimed to establish enhanced salaries, allowances, and additional benefits for judicial officers and staff.
The executive bill presented by the President was titled “A Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters.”
According to Lado, “This extraordinary move underscores Mr President’s absolute prioritization of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else just like he did when he recently put on hold an ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of N70,000.”
He said the “New Act prescribes salaries, allowances, etc., for Judicial Officers to reflect the changing realities and consequentially amend the provisions of the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.), Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) to delete the provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders.”
Lado further stressed that among the salient features of the Act include, “The prescription of salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judicial Officers.
“The amendment of Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002 (as amended) which provides for the deletion of provisions relating to Judicial Office Holders from the aforementioned Act.”
He described the signing of the bill by the President as a landmark achievement and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.
Lado said, “In a demonstration of his visionary leadership and deep compassion for the Nigerian people, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON has once again affirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation’s workforce by assenting to the revised Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Office Holders.
“This landmark decision reflects Mr President’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner in Nigeria, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve.
“By prioritizing the financial well-being of our judicial officers, Mr President is not only reinforcing the integrity of our justice system but also setting a new standard for leadership that truly values the hard work and sacrifices of all Nigerian workers.
“Under President Tinubu’s administration, the welfare of our workers has become a central pillar of national progress.
“His visionary policies continue to uplift the lives of millions, ensuring that the dignity of labour is upheld and that those who serve our nation are justly rewarded.
“This assent is a clear testament to Mr. President’s tireless efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s greatness.
“As we look to the future with hope and determination, Mr President remains steadfast in his mission to champion initiatives that deliver fair compensation, improved working conditions, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
Lado praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker,Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen, for their dedicated efforts towards the continuous enhancement of the welfare of Nigerians.
He also recognized the members of the 10th National Assembly for their commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians by successfully passing and forwarding the executive Bill, which has since received the President’s prompt approval.
Additionally, he called on Judicial Office Holders across the nation to intensify their efforts in delivering justice swiftly, especially in light of the President’s initiatives aimed at improving their overall welfare and quality of life.
“The judiciary remains the hope of the common man, and it is hoped that Nigerians seeking justice get it irrespective of their status in life,” he said.
The enactment of the bill means that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, will henceforth receive an annual salary of ₦64 million.
The President of the Court of Appeal is set to earn ₦62.4 million, while each Justice of the Supreme Court will be compensated with ₦61.4 million.
Additionally, all heads of various courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and the President of the National Industrial Court will receive a uniform annual salary of ₦7.9 million.
