Reps summon ministers, others over judiciary’s poor pay

The House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary has invited the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning as well as the Secretary, National Judicial Council for deliberation over the poor remuneration of judicial officials across the country.

Also invited to the meeting slated for Monday, March 25, 2024, are the National President, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Chairman, Nation’s Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as well as the President, Nigeria Bar Association.

This was contained in an invitation letter titled “ Case for upward review of judicial remuneration,” signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, dated March 18, 2024.

The letter read, “The committee is in receipt of a submission for the NBA advocating for a case of review of judicial remuneration and conditions of service.

“In view of the above submission, the committee wishes to invite you to a more robust interactive session with other stakeholders to review the submission and educate the committee on the current situation and plans to deal with the unrealistic salary structure of the judiciary and your position on the matter.

“Accept the assurance of the committee’s consideration and esteem.”

In a brief interview with The According, Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State said, “We have invited them over the stagnation and poor remuneration of judges and judicial officials since 2008.

“No promotion, no progression, and this is very abnormal. It’s unacceptable.”

In 2023, the Nigerian Bar Association met with the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, noting that there was a need for the government to, without further delay, review the take-home pay of judicial officers.

The association said the meeting was in furtherance of the association’s commitment to an improved welfare package for judicial officers.