The Nigerian Senate has announced a public hearing on the proposed upward review of judges’ salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits nationwide. The hearing, scheduled for May 20, 2024, follows the passage of a bill by the House of Representatives seeking an over 800% pay rise for judges.
According to the Senate’s notice of public hearing, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has been invited to make a presentation to the Senate and the general public. The letter, signed by Senator Mohammed Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, requested comments and suggestions on the bill from stakeholders and members of the public.
The proposed increase would see the Chief Justice of Nigeria earn an annual basic salary and allowances of N64.6 million, while other Supreme Court justices would earn over N60 million annually. Proponents of the increase argue that well-remunerated judicial officers would be less susceptible to corruption.
The public hearing is part of the Senate’s further legislative action on the judiciary officers (salaries and allowances, etc.) Bill 2024, which was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.