CJN to receive N5.39m monthly, other justices N4.21m as Reps pass judicial officers’ salaries bill

Following the approval of an upward review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders by the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of Nigeria will earn a monthly package of N5.39 million.

According to the executive bill President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Green Chamber on Tuesday, the President of the Court of Appeal will receive a total monthly package of N4.48 million, while other justices of the Supreme Court will receive a total package of N4.21 million.

He said: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 58(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I forward, herewith, the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc. Bill, 2024, for the kind consideration of the House of Representatives.

“The Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Bill, 2024, seeks to prescribe salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial officers to end the prolonged stagnation in their remuneration and to reflect contemporary socio-economic realities.

“The Bill, which establishes a new legal framework for the remuneration of judicial officers, will also ensure significant improvement in the welfare, capacity, and independence of the judiciary.”

Persecondnews reports that justices of the Court of Appeal are to earn a total monthly package of N3.73 million.

However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Grand Khadi of the FCT Sharia Court of Appeal, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the State High Court, Grand Khadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, and President of the State Customary Court of Appeal will earn a total monthly package of N3.53 million.

The monthly package comprises basic salaries and all regular allowances, including car fueling and maintenance, personal assistance, hardship, entertainment, utilities, security, outfits, journal subscriptions, medicals, service allowances, restricted or forced lifestyles, dual responsibility, and legal researchers.

Similarly, the House also approved other job regular allowances that are not embedded in the total monthly package to include leave allowances estacode per night of $2,000 where applicable, duty tour allowances where applicable, and a severance gratuity of N80,78m at the completion of a tenure.

There is also the option of a motor vehicle loan due for repayment before the expiration of the tenure of the officer concerned.