Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, has emphasized the importance of adequately compensating judges to ensure effective judicial performance.
Speaking at a Senate Committee hearing on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters regarding the proposed salary and allowance increase for judicial officers, Ariwoola, represented by the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zannah, stressed that the salary review is crucial for the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
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“When judges are well compensated, they do their best,” Ariwoola stated. “But actually, the real interest being looked at is that of the citizens because they will be the ones who suffer the consequences of a deprived judiciary.”
Ariwoola likened the current state of judicial compensation to a patient in critical condition, underscoring the urgency of stabilizing the judiciary’s financial state before addressing additional reforms.
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He highlighted that the last salary review for judges was in 2007, noting the significant depreciation in purchasing power since then.
“The salaries were last reviewed in the year 2007. It has been 17 years earning the same amount despite the tumultuous depreciation in purchasing power. While other sectors have theirs renewed several times over the period, judicial officers have been in silence,” Ariwoola added.
He urged the Senate to act swiftly to improve the conditions for judges, thereby enhancing the judiciary’s functionality and benefitting the nation as a whole.
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