The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has announced that the Federal Government has commenced the implementation of a 300% salary increase for judicial officers across Nigeria. 

The AGF made this statement during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) in Ekiti State on Monday.

Addressing the gathering at the event where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Law, Fagbemi highlighted the long-standing concern over inadequate remuneration for judicial officers and emphasized the importance of addressing this issue. He noted that the move reflects the commitment of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to strengthening the judiciary.

“One ongoing concern before I took office was the poor remuneration of judicial officers,” Fagbemi stated. “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.”

The pay increase, which involves a substantial 300% upward review of salaries and allowances for judicial officers, is seen as a significant development for the judiciary in Nigeria.

Fagbemi described the implementation as “an important first step” towards the administration’s broader objective of enhancing the capacity and independence of the Nigerian judiciary. He asserted that this increase is part of a larger effort to ensure that judicial officers are fairly compensated, thereby fostering a more efficient and effective judicial system.

“This intervention is a critical part of the Tinubu administration’s agenda to build a stronger, more resilient judiciary,” Fagbemi added. “We recognize that a well-compensated judiciary is crucial for maintaining the rule of law, delivering justice, and promoting the overall stability of our democracy.”