President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed deep concern about the inadequate compensation of Nigerian judges during an evening event. He hosted members of the Federal Judiciary for iftar at the state house, including Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukoyede Ariwoola, and retired CJNs, Justice Walter Onnoghen and Justice Mahmoud Mohammed.
Tinubu acknowledged the judiciary’s unfulfilled responsibilities, citing outdated equipment and slow progress in modernization. He emphasized the unfairness of judges being unable to practice their trained vocation after retirement, expressing a need for fair compensation. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the judiciary and justice system, thanking the judiciary for its service.
Recently, Tinubu forwarded the “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly, proposing a 300.3 percent salary increase for federal judicial officers, echoing his past actions as Lagos State governor. He also condemned kidnapping, advocating for treating perpetrators as terrorists.
Chief Justice Ariwoola commended Tinubu’s efforts in hosting the Ramadan dinner, pushing for judicial reforms, and enhancing judicial officers’ welfare. He praised the appointment of 21 justices to the Supreme Court as a significant achievement.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi expressed gratitude to Tinubu for forwarding the bill to the National Assembly, acknowledging the stagnant state of judges’ salaries since 2007. He lauded Tinubu’s courage and determination in advocating for the salary increase, emphasizing the president’s unwavering support for the judiciary.
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