Bill seeking to amend the increase of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria passes second reading

 The Senate has passed for the second reading, a bill seeking to amend the increase of the remuneration of judicial officers in Nigeria. 

This bill seeks to amend certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act of 2022 by removing sections pertaining to judicial office holders and establishing a new framework to determine their wages.

During the Senate's discussion on the Second Reading of the Bill, Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District and serving as Chairman of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, made a significant contribution. 

He highlighted that the last review of judicial officers' remuneration took place approximately 15 years ago, underscoring the necessity for increased salary to enhance judicial effectiveness.

The Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Bill of 2024 pertains to judicial officers outlined under Section 318(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, outlining their entitlements including salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits.

The bill grants the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission the authority to oversee the Federal Government's adherence to the provisions of the bill concerning the payment of remuneration to judicial officers. 

The Commission is also empowered to propose adjustments to the rates of emoluments for judicial officers specified in the bill's schedule to the President.

Moreover, the bill seeks to amend the Certain Political, Public, and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Act of 2022 by deleting Section 2(b), Part II of the Schedule, and any other provisions pertaining to judicial office holders.

Following the approval of the Second Reading, the Senate has referred the bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, with instructions to provide a report within four weeks.