The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has issued a stark warning that the country will face severe repercussions if judges continue to be underpaid.
Speaking through the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zannah, at a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Ariwoola emphasized that adequate compensation for judges is crucial for the nation’s welfare.
Judges’ Salaries: A Matter of National Interest
Addressing the hearing, Ariwoola stressed that improving the salaries and allowances of judicial officers is not only about their welfare but also about ensuring justice for all Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
Judiciary in Critical Condition
Ariwoola likened the current state of judicial compensation to a patient in critical condition requiring urgent attention.
“Distinguished senators, in a nutshell, what we are saying is this. The situation of judges across Nigeria is like one in a critical condition in the ICU… The one captain in the appropriation door would have him moved from the ICU to the general ward,” he explained.
He urged the Senate to act swiftly to stabilize the judiciary by increasing salaries, akin to moving a patient from the ICU to the general ward before further treatment.
Long-Overdue Salary Review
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Ariwoola pointed out that judges’ salaries have not been reviewed since 2007, despite significant inflation and depreciation in purchasing power.
“The salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007. It has been 17 years earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power,” he noted.
He urged lawmakers to pass the bill to increase judicial salaries to strengthen the judiciary.
Government’s Commitment to Judicial Reform
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to judicial reform. He revealed that the push for a salary increase started during the last administration but only recently gained approval.
“I recommended 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,” Fagbemi stated.
He urged the Senate to approve the bill to support the president’s vision for judicial reform.
Call for Swift Legislative Action
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, also praised the National Assembly for considering the bill and called for its swift passage. He emphasized that the bill’s approval would benefit the judiciary and the nation as a whole.
The public hearing underscored the urgent need for judicial salary reform, with high-ranking officials and legal experts advocating for immediate action. The proposed bill, if passed, promises to enhance the effectiveness of the judiciary and ensure justice for all Nigerians.