A Bill seeking an upward review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in the country, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria expected to earn at least N5.39 million as total monthly basic salary and regular allowances, scaled to second reading in the Senate.
The proposed legislation further shows that the Chief Justice of Nigeria is expected to earn N64 Million as annual basic salary and Regular Allowances.
The CJN is also entitled to non-regular allowances of N6.73 million Leave Allowance (when applicable),
N142,500 Duty Tour Allowance (per night)
The number one Judicial officer is also entitled to
$2,000 Estacode (per night), N80.78 million severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure) and N53.85 million as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure)
If the proposed legislation is signed into law, other Justices of the Supreme Court would earn N5m basic monthly salaries and Regular Allowances, bringing their total annual to N60.4m
The Justices of the Supreme Court would also be entitled to non regular allowances of N9.91 million rent (annually), N4.96 million Leave Allowance (when applicable), N100,000 Duty Tour Allowance (per night); $1,300 estacode (per night); N29.74 million severance gratuity (after successful completion of tenure), N29.74 million furniture allowance and N39.65 million as motor vehicle loan (to be repaid before expiration of tenure).
Meanwhile, the President of the Court of Appeal is to earn N9. 91 million annual basic salary or N826,116 per month.
The Appeal Court President will also be entitled to N52,54 million annual regular allowances or N4.48 million monthly regular allowances.
The Executive Bill received overwhelming support from the Senators from across the political and regional divide, with many describing it as a step in the right direction to properly shield the judicial officers from the temptation of bribes and guarantee the independence of the judiciary.
The Bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
The Committee has four weeks to work on the Bill and revert to plenary.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
