The two chambers of the National Assembly are asking President Bola Tinubu to assent to a bill seeking 300 per cent salary increase for judicial officers.
The request is sequel to the adoption of the joint conference committee that harmonised existing differences on the matter. Both chambers had, last month, separately passed the bill with some differences. They later set up a joint conference committee, which harmonised the variations yesterday. It was learnt that the increment in salaries and allowances for judicial officers had been captured in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Chairman of the conference committee and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who presented the report of the joint committee for adoption in the Senate, said the position of the upper legislative chamber was upheld by the conference committee.
The bill as passed gives the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, an increase of 300 per cent in salaries and allowances. President of the Court of Appeal as well as other Justices of the Supreme Court will enjoy similar 300 per cent increase in emoluments.
All heads of the various courts such as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, as well as President of the National Industrial Court, among others, would equally earn 300 per cent increase in salaries and allowances.
“The proposed legislation is apt and timely as the increase in remuneration of judicial office holders is overdue in the light of the present economic realities and high inflation in the country,” Mongono said.
