Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the judiciary to justify the recent enhancement in their remuneration by restoring public confidence and reinforcing their commitment to justice. In a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, the association emphasized the need for the judiciary to actively rebuild its standing with the Nigerian people.
While commending the passage of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, Maikyau highlighted the importance of expanding the definition of Judicial Officers in the Constitution to include Magistrates, urging the National and State Assemblies to address this in the ongoing Constitutional review.
“The Magistrates across the country are responsible for handling most criminal matters at the lower levels of society,” Maikyau stated. “Strengthening the institution of the magistracy across the states is crucial for improving grassroots justice delivery and curbing criminal activities.”
The NBA also stressed the importance of improving the welfare of all judiciary staff, including Registrars, Legal Assistants, and other court workers, to ensure that the recent salary increases for judges and justices have a meaningful impact on the overall justice delivery process.
Looking ahead, the NBA plans to focus on critical issues related to the judiciary, including the appointment, discipline, and elevation of judicial officers, as well as strengthening judicial oversight bodies. Maikyau expressed confidence that his successor, Afam Osigwe, the NBA president-elect, will prioritize these issues when he assumes office later this month.
This call to action follows the historic signing of the Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, Etc) Act, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, which increased judges’ earnings by up to 300 percent. Maikyau reflected on his administration’s efforts to advocate for this salary review, which was last addressed in 2007.
“My administration has vigorously pursued the improvement of judicial remuneration,” Maikyau said, noting that this achievement was the result of constructive engagement with all branches of government.
Maikyau also acknowledged the cooperation of the 10th National Assembly and the invaluable support of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN, in ensuring the Bill’s passage.
As Maikyau prepares to step down as NBA President on August 29, 2024, he expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful enactment of the new salary structure, including judiciary leaders and government officials.
“The support and guidance we received from various judicial figures and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission were instrumental in our advocacy,” Maikyau concluded, expressing his hope that this landmark achievement will mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to justice and public service within the judiciary.
