'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received widespread praise following his assent to a bill that enacts a 300% increase in the salaries and allowances of judicial officers. The landmark decision, aimed at significantly enhancing the welfare of those within the judiciary, underscores Tinubu's commitment to the financial well-being of Nigerian workers.
The approval of the bill was officially announced on Tuesday by Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters. Lado highlighted the President's consistent prioritization of workers' welfare, noting that this move follows Tinubu's recent action to sign the new National Minimum Wage Bill of ₦70,000 during a Federal Executive Council meeting.
"This extraordinary move underscores Mr. President’s absolute prioritization of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else," Lado stated. He further elaborated on the specifics of the new Act, which amends the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act, No.6, 2002, removing provisions that pertain to judicial office holders and setting new standards for their compensation.
The gesture has been lauded by various stakeholders within the justice sector. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, praised both President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their efforts. Fagbemi emphasized that judicial officers in Nigeria have been on the same salary for nearly two decades, and this reform is a critical step towards a more robust judicial system.
"President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sustainable reform of the administration of justice. This is an important component of this reform," Fagbemi said. He assured that his ministry, in collaboration with justice sector stakeholders, will continue to address further issues to strengthen the judiciary.
Lado also extended gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift passage of the bill, describing it as a reflection of their dedication to improving the welfare of Nigerians. "The judiciary remains the hope of the common man and it is hoped that Nigerians seeking justice get it irrespective of their status in life," he noted.
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, and other key figures have similarly commended Tinubu’s decision, acknowledging the profound impact it will have on the integrity and efficiency of the Nigerian justice system.
"This landmark decision reflects Mr. President’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner in Nigeria, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve," Lado added. He stressed that Tinubu's administration continues to focus on the welfare of workers as a central pillar of national progress, ensuring fair compensation and improved working conditions for all Nigerians.
As Nigeria moves forward, the President’s latest actions have set a new standard for leadership that values the hard work and sacrifices of all Nigerian workers, particularly those within the judiciary. This reform is expected to enhance the justice system and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous nation.