The Judiciary is the third arm of the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria, responsible for interpreting the law, ensuring justice, and checking the powers of the executive and legislature. Headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the judiciary plays a vital role in maintaining democracy.
In this post, we unveil the official salary structure and allowance breakdown of federal judges and judicial officersin 2025, as approved by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and backed by recent reforms and constitutional amendments.
Structure of the Federal Judiciary in Nigeria
|
Judicial Office |
Jurisdiction |
|
Supreme Court |
Apex court of the nation |
|
Court of Appeal |
Intermediate appellate court |
|
Federal High Court |
Trial court for federal matters |
|
National Industrial Court |
Handles labour and employment cases |
|
Customary Court of Appeal |
Handles customary law issues (federal-level cases) |
|
Sharia Court of Appeal |
Handles Islamic law (federal-level cases) |
FG Judiciary Salary Structure 2025 (Updated)
In June 2023, the Federal Government approved a 300% salary increase for judges, effective in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Below is the updated salary breakdown:
1. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦7.9 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦658,000
- Total Package (with allowances): ₦60 million – ₦75 million/year
2. Justice of the Supreme Court
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦7.1 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦591,667
- Total Package: ₦50 million – ₦65 million/year
3. President, Court of Appeal
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦6.8 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦566,667
- Total Package: ₦45 million – ₦60 million/year
4. Justices of the Court of Appeal
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦6.4 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦533,333
- Total Package: ₦40 million – ₦55 million/year
5. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court / National Industrial Court
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦6.2 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦516,667
- Total Package: ₦38 million – ₦52 million/year
6. Judges of Federal High Court / NIC / Customary / Sharia Court
- Annual Basic Salary: ₦5.9 million
- Monthly Salary: ₦491,667
- Total Package: ₦35 million – ₦48 million/year
FG Judiciary Allowance Structure (2025)
|
Allowance Type |
Rate |
Frequency |
|
Leave Allowance |
10% of annual basic salary |
Annually |
|
Hardship Allowance |
50% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Utility Allowance |
25% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Security Allowance |
20% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Vehicle Maintenance |
20% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Entertainment Allowance |
15% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Domestic Staff Allowance |
75% of basic salary |
Monthly |
|
Personal Assistant |
₦50,000 – ₦150,000 |
Monthly |
|
Dressing/Furnishing |
50% – 300% (once every 4 years) |
Quadrennial |
|
Accommodation |
Official residence or allowance |
Monthly/Annual |
|
Medical Allowance |
Full coverage |
Year-round |
Non-Monetary Benefits
- Official residence (for higher-ranking judges)
- Fully funded local and foreign medical treatment
- Police escorts and security personnel
- Official utility vehicle and driver
- Annual retreats, conferences, and sponsored judicial training
- Retirement gratuity and pension plan
Summary Table: Federal Judiciary Salaries 2025
|
Position |
Monthly Salary |
Total Package (Est.) |
|
Chief Justice of Nigeria |
₦658,000 |
₦60m – ₦75m/year |
|
Supreme Court Justice |
₦591,667 |
₦50m – ₦65m/year |
|
President, Court of Appeal |
₦566,667 |
₦45m – ₦60m/year |
|
Court of Appeal Justice |
₦533,333 |
₦40m – ₦55m/year |
|
Chief Judge (FHC/NIC) |
₦516,667 |
₦38m – ₦52m/year |
|
High Court Judges |
₦491,667 |
₦35m – ₦48m/year |
FAQs About FG Judiciary Salary & Allowances
Q1: Who determines judicial salaries in Nigeria?
A: The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recommends salaries, while the National Assembly approves them.
Q2: Did judges receive a salary increase recently?
A: Yes. In 2023, salaries were reviewed upward by over 300%, effective from the 2024/2025 budget.
Q3: Do judges receive pensions after retirement?
A: Yes, senior judges like Supreme Court and Appeal Court justices receive lifetime pensions and gratuity benefits.
Q4: Are judicial officers allowed to have other income sources?
A: No. Judicial ethics prohibit them from engaging in other employment or businesses that could compromise their neutrality.
Q5: Is the judiciary financially independent in 2025?
A: By law, yes. Judicial autonomy has been reinforced, but in practice, some delays in fund disbursement still occur.
Conclusion
In 2025, Federal Judiciary officials in Nigeria are now among the better-paid public servants, following recent reforms and increased public scrutiny. However, with high expectations for justice delivery and integrity, the conversation continues around transparency, accountability, and independence of this vital arm of government.
