The Federal Judicial workers are facing severe financial hardship due to the delayed payment of the 25/35% salary increment and the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The workers are crying out for help, seeking immediate attention to their plight.
With effect from January 2024, the Federal Government approved a 25/35% salary increment for judiciary workers, but the payment has been delayed for several months. Additionally, the implementation of the new minimum wage, which was signed into law in 2024, has also been stalled.
The delayed payment and non-implementation of the minimum wage has resulted in significant financial hardship for the workers. Many are struggling to make ends meet, with some unable to pay their bills, rent, or even feed their families.
The National Judicial Council (NJC – a body which plays a crucial role in the management of judiciary’s resources, including budgetary allocations and administration and Headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)) is believed to have been receiving monthly allocations with the addition of supplementary budget to see to the payment of the 25%/35% salary increment and implementation of the minimum wage as well the corresponding accrued arrears this year (2024), but in a statement made by the NJC, the body said it is yet to receive fundings in respect to that; thereby informing all stakeholders that ‘as soon as the funds are received they will promptly release it for payments to all Heads Of Courts.’ In a memo sent by the NJC, they said, “we have already prepared the necessary documents for the payments. Please note that the NJC does not withhold payments and is committed to transparency.
Thank you for your understanding.
Notice From The National Judicial Council (NJC).”
According to report from a superior officer in the NJC; the 25% and 35% increments for Judiciary Officers will not be implemented this year due to funding constraints.
The officer stated that securing a supplementary budget is challenging and as a result, the payment has been deferred until next year.
However, there is still a possibility that the Chief Justice of Nigeria
(Hon. CJN) may intervene and explore alternative arrangements for the payment.
The aggrieved workers blame the Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN), for being lackadaisical and mute after all their calls to them to come out and address the issue at hand as to dowse their fears and plight, but to no avail, and so pinned ‘a tag of incompetence’ on the present JUSUN administration, and posing questions like,
“Do we still have effective representation from JUSUN? Are you truly representing the interests of Judiciary Staff members, given our persistent grievances?”
Nevertheless, the workers are still calling on the National JUSUN Chairman to provide guidance on the critical issues; with believe that a response from the Chairman would bring much needed clarity to the pressing matters.
However, with thoughts that both the NJC and the Federal Government may not be transparent about the funds, some of the aggrieved workers (names withheld) have these to say;
“I just want to ask, if really NJC has not received funds to that effect. And if so, are they suppose to keep quiet until the funds are released by FG at the time they are willing to, or they are suppose to mount pressure on them? We are all human beings and we all deserve a better life. Do they know the negative impact of this delay? For the fact you have the opportunity to eat food in your house does not mean everybody have the opportunity, to be honest. Others are enjoying FG rice, 25/35% increment and 40k flat rate, but we do not have any hope of getting anything. Is FG aware of other staff in Judiciary apart from justices/judges? If the funds have not been released, NJC should draw the attention of the Accountant General. NBA cannot fight for judicial staff too? Are we second class citizens? Something can be done. Is never too late. NJC can call the Accountant General of the Federation or they should find a means of solving this challenges pending when FG release the funds. All our lamentations and pleas, are we sure is getting to the authority concerned? God have mercy.”
“We all saw it on the NEWS that extra allocation have been given to cover 25%/35% salary increment, and minimum wage too, so what then is the matter? Something seems to be fishy.”
“To me, the Judiciary is not fully autonomous; we’re only autonomous in the national dailies. If not, the Judiciary being an arm and a constitutional institution, deserves equal respect, right, importance and resources as the Executive and Legislative arms of Government.”
“Why is our case different, recently, the judges’ salary and allowances (300%) was approved, and they have started paying them without delay, but when it comes to judiciary workers the story will be no money, this is the highest injustice to the workers of judiciary. Who have we offended that we are being treated like outcast?”
“That’s the country we are in. When you say the bitter truth, the authority will sack the person from work, and that is why things go wrong every day by day.”
“Good morning my beautiful family, some one just called me now that our matter has reached 104.5 FM radio station this morning, and according to the news, judiciary staffs are suffering and their 25%/35% increment arrears plus minimum wage have not been paid to them, but it was debunked by a representative of the federal government that our money was released since July to judiciary. Please let’s find out o.”
“We are calling on the Federal Government and the newly appointed CJN to come to our aide o.”
The workers are calling on the Federal Government and NJC to intervene immediately, pay the outstanding of the 25%/35% salary increment arrears and implement the minimum wage with outstanding arrears too.
They are also seeking the support of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, and other stakeholders, as well civil societies to ‘put mouth in their matter’.
Christopher, a public servant, writes from Abuja
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