Official Salary Structure For Chief Judge Of Nigeria: Average Pay Per Month

The Nigerian judiciary has experienced a significant revision in its compensation structure, marking an important milestone for the nation's legal system. The salary structure for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and other judicial officers, which had been stagnant for many years, was recently reviewed to reflect modern economic realities and ensure judicial independence. This blog post explores the updated salary of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, including allowances, the rationale behind the increase, and its broader implications for the judiciary and governance in Nigeria.

The Previous Salary Structure

Before the salary increment, the Chief Justice of Nigeria earned an annual salary of ₦6.7 million, translating to about ₦560,000 per month. This figure included a base salary of ₦280,000 and several allowances, including hardship, personal assistance, and outfit allowances. These figures had remained unchanged for over a decade, despite mounting concerns about inflation, rising costs of living, and the demanding responsibilities carried by high-level judicial officers.

Stakeholders in the judiciary had long criticized the inadequate remuneration, which they argued was insufficient given the significance of the judicial role in a country as complex as Nigeria. The stagnation in salary reviews for judicial officers, especially those occupying top positions such as the CJN, raised concerns about the ability to attract and retain qualified legal minds capable of upholding the country's legal system.

The New Salary Structure: What Has Changed?

In 2024, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, proposed a significant upward revision of judicial salaries. The new structure was approved by the National Assembly, ushering in a 300% increase in the remuneration of judicial officers across various courts.

As per the new structure, the Chief Justice of Nigeria now receives a total monthly package of ₦5.385 million. This amount is a considerable increase from the previous ₦560,000 per month and includes the following key components:

• Basic Salary: ₦1.1 million
• Allowances: ₦4.3 million (this includes allowances for personal assistance, motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, hardship, entertainment, utilities, outfit, and medical, among others).

In total, the CJN now earns ₦64.8 million annually, compared to the ₦6.7 million annual salary under the old structure.

This new remuneration package not only applies to the CJN but also extends to other top judicial officers. For example:

• Justices of the Supreme Court receive ₦4.213 million per month.
• The President of the Court of Appeal earns ₦4.478 million per month.
• Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and other high-ranking judges earn ₦3.527 million monthly.

In addition to the regular monthly salaries, judicial officers are also entitled to additional benefits such as:

• Severance Gratuity: ₦80.8 million, payable after the successful completion of tenure.
• Leave Allowance: Paid annually.
• Estacode (for international duties): $2,000 per night when applicable.

The Rationale Behind the Pay Increase

The revision of the salary structure for the CJN and other judicial officers is a response to several key factors:

• Inflation and Economic Realities: Nigeria’s economy has undergone significant shifts, with inflation and the cost of living rising steadily over the years. This situation made the previous salary structure for judicial officers grossly inadequate. By raising salaries, the government aims to bring judicial compensation in line with the economic realities of the country.
• Judicial Independence and Integrity: Adequate remuneration is crucial for maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary. When judicial officers are financially secure, they are less susceptible to corruption or external influence. The enhanced salary structure is expected to safeguard the judiciary’s impartiality and promote public trust in the legal system.
• Professionalism and Attracting Talent: With the new pay structure, Nigeria aims to attract and retain highly skilled legal professionals in the judiciary. This move is intended to boost the professionalism of judicial officers, ensuring that those who serve are well-compensated for their expertise and dedication to justice.

Implications of the New Salary Structure

The salary increase for the Chief Justice of Nigeria and other judicial officers is expected to have a range of positive impacts on the judiciary and the nation as a whole:

• Improved Judicial Performance: With better financial incentives, judicial officers can focus more on their professional duties, leading to improved decision-making and efficiency in the delivery of justice.
• Enhanced Job Satisfaction: Adequate remuneration is likely to increase job satisfaction among judicial officers, thereby reducing the rate of burnout and increasing retention. The judiciary plays a crucial role in governance, and ensuring the well-being of its officers is essential for a stable legal system.
• Attracting Top Talent: By offering competitive salaries, the judiciary can attract experienced and qualified professionals, which is vital for upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
• Public Confidence in the Judiciary: A well-compensated judiciary is more likely to maintain public trust. Citizens are more likely to believe in the fairness and impartiality of judges when they know that these judges are not financially constrained.

Conclusion

The upward revision of the salary structure for the Chief Justice of Nigeria and other judicial officers is a welcome development that addresses long-standing concerns about inadequate compensation. With the Chief Justice now earning ₦5.385 million per month, the judiciary is better positioned to attract top legal minds, maintain its independence, and deliver justice without undue financial stress. This increase also marks a significant step in the broader reform of Nigeria's justice system, aimed at ensuring that the judiciary remains a vital and trustworthy pillar of governance.

The new salary structure not only reflects the contemporary socio-economic realities of Nigeria but also sets the judiciary on a path toward greater efficiency and professionalism