- It’s An important First Step” In Tinubu’s Resolve To “Strengthen Judiciary”- AGF
- House Gifts To Judges Will Boost Performance – CJN
The improved welfare packages of judicial workers in Nigeria have attracted the praise of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi and The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The duo spoke at different fora on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The Matrix had earlier reported that Tinubu had in August signed into law a bill seeking a 300% increase in salaries and allowances for judicial officials.
According to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi says he disclosed that the Federal Government has started the implementation of the 300% pay increase for judicial officers.
Fagbemi made this known at the 12 Convocation ceremony of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in Ekiti State.
“One ongoing concern before I took office was the poor remuneration of judicial officers,” the AGF said at the event’s grand finale where he was conferred with an honourary doctorate in Law.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Reaffirms Support For Governor Oyebanji’s Development Efforts in Ekiti
“I am again pleased to report that a major intervention of the Tinubu administration in the judiciary is the recent 300% upward review of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria across board. To be true, I can confirm that the implementation of this has begun in earnest.”
He described the move as “an important first step” in the President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to “strengthen the judiciary”.
Similarly, the CJN disclosed that the construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District in the nation’s capital, Abuja, will boost the performance of judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The CJN, who spoke on Monday at the flag-off ceremony of the project, described the project as a significant milestone in the continuous effort of the government to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the FCT.
“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibility entrusted to them,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said judges need peace of mind to operate efficiently and perform their duties with greater focus.
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Gets New Chief Security Officer From DSS To Succeed Adegboyega Fasasi
“The construction of these residences is a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers are well-supported; it reflects the recognition that the mental well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency and clarity of mind.
“The ability of judicial officers to perform their functions is strengthened when their well-being is prioritised and their work condition is conducive,” she said.
The event was also attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; and the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; among other dignitaries.
On his part, Wike stressed the need for judicial officers to have a robust welfare package including housing.
The minister said with the guarantee of their houses, judges would be firm in delivering judgements and courageous in doing their work.
He said 70% of funds for the project had been released after its approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. He said out of the 40 units to be constructed, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.
