The Senate has commenced a review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial officers in Nigeria.
This is aimed at preventing bribery and corruption and ensuring the judiciary’s independence.
An executive bill seeking to establish a standardized remuneration framework for judicial officers at both federal and state levels has passed its second reading, according to Channels TV.
The bill is aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of stagnant remuneration, which has not kept pace with current socio-economic realities.
While the bill received unanimous support, some lawmakers suggested that a comprehensive review of salaries and remuneration across all sectors is necessary, given the current economic challenges.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further consideration and is expected to report back within four weeks.
This development follows a presidential proposal submitted to the Senate two months ago, seeking a review of judicial officers’ salaries to improve their welfare and create a new legal framework for their remuneration.
The President is optimistic that the bill titled “Judicial office holders, salaries and allowances, etc, bill 2024,” would promote the welfare capacity and independence of the Nigerian judiciary system.