THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Judiciary to validate its recent salary increases.
In a statement issued by the NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the association emphasized the need for the judiciary to take deliberate steps to win back the trust of Nigerians and restore public confidence in this branch of government.
While commending the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act, 2024, the NBA also encouraged the National and State Houses of Assembly to consider including Magistrates in the definition of Judicial Officers in the ongoing constitutional review.
“Magistrates across the country handle the majority of criminal cases at the community level, and the magistracy needs to be strengthened and better funded to enhance grassroots justice delivery and combat rising crime in our society.”
“Furthermore, other judicial staff, including registrars, legal assistants, and court personnel, must also be supported to ensure that enhancements to the welfare of Justices and Judges lead to meaningful improvements in the overall justice delivery process.
The NBA also stated that moving forward, it plans to focus on addressing issues central to the continued strengthening of the judiciary, including the appointment, discipline, and promotion of judicial officers, as well as the importance of reinforcing judicial oversight bodies.
The NBA President expressed confidence that his successor, Afam Osigwe, the president-elect, will prioritize these matters when he assumes office later this month.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu signed the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc. Act 2024) into law, increasing judges’ salaries by as much as 300 percent.
In his inaugural address as NBA president on August 26, 2022, Maikyau stated: “My administration will not only continue protecting the dignity of the judiciary for the proper exercise of its constitutional functions, but we will also engage with the government and stakeholders to ensure that immediate measures are taken to guarantee appropriate remuneration for Judges and Justices in service and upon retirement.”
In line with this commitment, Maikyau’s administration launched a vigorous advocacy campaign for the upward review of judicial officers’ remuneration.
“By the grace of God, and without any intention to boast, we successfully achieved this, culminating in the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, which resulted from constructive engagement with all branches of government.”
“We congratulate the Nigerian Judiciary and the legal profession on the enactment of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, which was signed into law by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on August 9, 2024.”
“This marks a historic achievement, especially given that previous administrations have consistently overlooked the Judiciary.”
“The last adjustment to the salaries and allowances of Judicial officers occurred in 2007. This is also a significant milestone for the tenure of Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as Chief Justice of Nigeria, who will leave office on August 22, 2024. It is a privilege for me to share in this achievement as I step down as the 31st President of the NBA just seven days later on August 29, 2024.”
“We must recognize the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for their cooperation in expediting the Bill. The invaluable support and contributions from Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, were instrumental in getting the Bill passed into law.”
“The legal profession is fortunate to have an Attorney General committed to reforming the justice sector and improving the independence and welfare of judicial office holders for the benefit of the people. His efforts aligned with President Tinubu’s willingness, facilitating the signing of the Bill by the National Assembly.”
“The NBA’s advocacy for the review of salaries and allowances of Judicial Officers and other justice sector reforms was driven by Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General of Ekiti State and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee. He motivated everyone involved with this project — including myself — to engage diligently with the Senate, House of Representatives, and the National Judicial Council, particularly Executive Secretary Mr. Gambo Saleh, whom we persistently approached about this matter. My Personal Executive Secretary, Chinaecherem Nwaubani, almost took a leave of absence due to Mr. Fapohunda’s demands on this review. She, like others in my office, handled her assignments exceptionally well.”
“We appreciate their commitment and dedicated service to the Bar. Honourable Justice Bode Rhodes Vivour, CFR, JSC (Rtd); Hon. Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal; Hon. Justice A. D. Yahaya JCA (Rtd); Hon. Justice B. B. Kanyip, PhD, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria; and Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, Chief Judge of Borno State, have all provided invaluable guidance and support throughout this process.”
“They contributed critical insights from the judiciary that enhanced our understanding of the historical issues surrounding judicial remuneration, which was instrumental in shaping our advocacy strategy.”
“We extend our gratitude for the significant support received during this advocacy. We must also acknowledge the cooperation from Mallam Mohammed Bello, the Executive Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who, during our meeting, demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges faced by Judicial Officers and expressed compassion for their struggles due to decades of inadequate salaries and allowances.”
