The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in signing the Judicial Office Holders’ Salaries and Allowances Bill, 2024 into law.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Fagbemi expressed his admiration for what he described as a historic move, one that addresses the longstanding concerns of judicial officers across Nigeria regarding their remuneration and conditions of service.
Fagbemi highlighted the significance of the bill’s assent, noting that judicial officers in Nigeria have been earning the same salary for nearly two decades. This stagnation in pay has been a major point of contention and concern within the judiciary, as it has not only affected the welfare of judges and other judicial officers but also had broader implications for the effectiveness and integrity of the justice system.
By signing this bill into law, President Tinubu has demonstrated a clear commitment to reforming the administration of justice in Nigeria. Fagbemi emphasized that this move is a vital component of broader judicial reforms that aim to strengthen the judiciary, ensuring that it is not only independent but also adequately resourced to perform its critical role in upholding the rule of law and delivering justice.
The AGF also took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the 10th National Assembly for their swift action in passing the bill. He noted that the legislature’s responsiveness to the needs of the judiciary is a testament to their understanding of the crucial role that the judiciary plays in the country’s democratic framework.
The speedy passage of the bill through both chambers of the National Assembly, according to Fagbemi, reflects a deep concern for the plight of judicial officers and a recognition of the need to improve their working conditions.
Fagbemi’s statement further elaborated on the broader implications of this legislative and executive action. He pointed out that improving the conditions of service for judicial officers is not just about fair compensation; it is also about ensuring that the judiciary remains a strong, independent,
And effective arm of government. By providing better salaries and allowances, the government is helping to secure the financial independence of judges, which is crucial for maintaining the impartiality and integrity of the judicial process.
This development, Fagbemi argued, is part of a larger vision for judicial reform that the current administration is committed to pursuing. The Attorney General expressed optimism that this would be the first of many steps towards creating a more robust and resilient justice system in Nigeria.
He called on all stakeholders, including members of the judiciary, the legal profession, and civil society, to support these reforms and work together to build a justice system that meets the needs of all Nigerians.
In conclusion, Fagbemi reiterated his appreciation for President Tinubu’s leadership and the National Assembly’s cooperation in making this long-awaited change a reality. He stressed that the reform of judicial salaries and allowances is a critical step towards enhancing the administration of justice in Nigeria, ensuring that those who serve in the judiciary are adequately compensated and motivated to carry out their duties with diligence and integrity.
