By Our Correspondent
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola has said Nigerians will continue to suffer from the nation’s judiciary system until salaries, allowances and official benefits of judges are increased.
The Chief Justice stated this on Monday at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Judiciary Human Rights and Legal Matters on “a bill to prescribe the salaries allowances and fringe benefits of judicial officers”.
“When judges are well compensated, yes, they do their best, but actually, as clearly demonstrated, the real interest that is being looked at is the interest of these citizens, because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived judiciary”, the CJN said.
Mr. Ariwoola, while analysing salaries of Nigerian judges, equated it to a patient under intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital who needs a serious medical attention.
“Distinguished senators, in a nutshell, what we are saying is that the situation of judges across Nigeria is like one on a critical condition in the ICU
“When a patient is in that condition, you don’t start physiotherapy at the ICU. You make sure he is stabilized, moved to the general ward, gain some strength, and then you now look at physiotherapy and all other therapists. That is the nutshell of our presentation to distinguished senators as we have already exhibited.
The CJN who was represented by Hon Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno State said the salaries of judges were last reviewed in the year 2007.
“It has been 17 years earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power, while other sectors have theirs reviewed several times over the period.
Judicial officers as have been in silence.
As a simple illustration, the exchange rate of the US dollar was 130.25 as at the time the salary was fixed in 2007 and this exchange rate can be found at page eleven of the June 2009 Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission review report that is the source of the exchange rate as of the time it was fixed.
Therefore, as of 2007, when the salaries were fixed, for example, a judge’s monthly gross pay before tax 661,738 divided by 130.25 equal to $5,080. Today, divided by just 1500, it is $441.
A salary of $5,080 has now dwindled to $441 only when it was fixed. In today’s terms, the value is equal to N7.6m.
“Not notwithstanding the foregoing, we note with profound appreciation to the RMAFC that the bill on the floor is still structurally and conceptually a marked improvement that foretells a future of fair and just compensation for judicial work in this country.
According to him, their prayers are that the 10th National Assembly passed the bill with the herewith attached terms reflecting the appropriation law which was passed by the instrumentality of the House and the Senate itself and with the conquerors and instruction of Mr. President that that be reflected as the increase for the judicial office as a replacement to the schedule to the bill.
Secondly, that the National Assembly continue to extend its irreplaceable support to addressing some still subsisting issues on the subject. And I’m glad when the chairman of this committee finished his prepared speech, he already raised one observation and these are some of the issues that are still subsidizing.
In this presentation, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) said the efforts to improve the remuneration of our judicial officers has a chequered history.
However, he said sometime in July 2023 the National Judicial Council forwarded a Proposed Review of Consolidated Salaries and Allowances for Judicial Officers for consideration by the President adding that the NJC proposal was a revision of the remuneration package earlier proposed by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which was not consummated before the end of the previous administration.
Fagbemi said “the instant NJC proposal for a 300% increase was informed by: prevailing economic realities of increasing headline and core inflationary trends. putting in place an enabling working environment that engenders professional development and efficiency for judicial officers.
He expressed the readiness of President Bola Tinubu over matters of improving welfare and standards in the judiciary, promoting capacity, independence and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, which informed his recommendation of the NJC proposal for the President’s consideration on 19th October 2023.
“On 20th October 2023, the President granted an unprecedented approval of a 300% increment in the remuneration of judicial officers. Consequently, the President directed RMAFC to review its previous May 2023 recommendation to reflect the NJC proposal.
“This culminated in the present Executive Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly in furtherance of a cardinal part of the President’s Renewed Hope for a Better Nigeria which is deepening Judicial Reforms to promote sustainable socio-economic growth.
“I wish to remark that the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) BILL 2024 is quite innovative, aside the increment in the basic salary, it also took cognizance of certain peculiarities of the administrative structure and operation of the judiciary.
“This Bill will birth an appropriate and commensurate remuneration that will ensure judicial independence and integrity”, Fagbemi said.
However, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun said the present government is making attempt and an initiative to improve the lot of the judiciary.
He said he was very pleased to have been part of this of the efforts and concurred with the Attorney General as he cannot but follow him since he is the authority in government law.
“I cannot but follow him in commending this bill and requesting its swift passage to the benefit of the judiciary in particular and Nigerians in general”.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Tahir Monguno in his welcome address said it is their responsibility to ensure that the Nigerian Judiciary is equipped with the resources and support it needs to function effectively and efficiently, adding that by increasing the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers, we would be demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, and sending a clear message that we value their vital role in our democratic system”.
According to him, if the bill is passed, it will not only improve the living standards of our judicial officers, but also enhance the overall quality of the Justice system, boost public confidence, and contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of our nation.
He said the “Nigerian Judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights and freedom of our citizens, and ensuring the proper administration of justice in our country. However, the current remuneration and welfare package for judicial officers has not kept pace with the rising cost of living and the increasing complexity of their responsibilities”, he concluded.
