The Judiciary at the State Government (SG) level plays a critical role in interpreting laws, upholding the constitution, and dispensing justice in Nigeria's 36 states. Led by the Chief Judge of the State, this arm ensures that the rule of law is maintained independently from the executive and legislature.
In 2025, the salaries and allowances of state judiciary officials have been significantly upgraded, aligning with the Federal Government's recent review of judicial pay. This post provides an in-depth look at the official salary structure, grades, allowances, and benefits of judicial officers at the state level.
Structure of the State Judiciary in Nigeria
| Judicial Office | Description |
|---|---|
| State High Court | Highest court at the state level |
| Magistrate Courts | Handles lower criminal/civil matters |
| Sharia/Customary Courts | Handles Islamic/customary law (in applicable states) |
| Judicial Service Commission | Oversees appointment and discipline of judicial officers |
SG Judiciary Salary Structure 2025 (Updated)
Thanks to a 2024 policy aligning judicial welfare nationwide, state-level salaries are now more competitive. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) recommended this increase for uniformity and to strengthen judicial independence.
1. State Chief Judge
-
Annual Basic Salary: ₦6.8 million
-
Monthly Salary: ₦566,667
-
Total Annual Package (with allowances): ₦50 million – ₦60 million
2. Judges of the State High Court
-
Annual Basic Salary: ₦5.5 million
-
Monthly Salary: ₦458,333
-
Total Annual Package: ₦40 million – ₦50 million
3. Chief Magistrate Grade I
-
Annual Basic Salary: ₦3.8 million
-
Monthly Salary: ₦316,667
-
Total Annual Package: ₦25 million – ₦32 million
4. Magistrates Grade II – III
-
Annual Basic Salary: ₦2.5 million – ₦3.2 million
-
Monthly Salary: ₦208,333 – ₦266,667
-
Total Annual Package: ₦18 million – ₦24 million
5. Customary/Sharia Court Judges
-
Monthly Salary: ₦200,000 – ₦300,000
-
Total Annual Package: ₦15 million – ₦22 million (varies by state)
SG Judiciary Allowance Structure (2025)
| Allowance Type | Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hardship Allowance | 40% – 50% of basic salary | Monthly |
| Utility Allowance | 20% – 30% | Monthly |
| Security Allowance | 15% – 20% | Monthly |
| Vehicle Maintenance | 20% of basic salary | Monthly |
| Entertainment Allowance | 10% – 15% | Monthly |
| Domestic Staff Allowance | 50% – 75% | Monthly |
| Leave Allowance | 10% of annual salary | Once a year |
| Dressing/Furnishing | 50% – 200% (once every 4 years) | Quadrennial |
| Accommodation | Official residence or paid housing | Monthly/Yearly |
| Medical Allowance | Full coverage | Year-round |
| PA/Secretary Stipend | ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 | Monthly |
Note: Actual allowance rates may vary slightly from one state to another depending on the budget and autonomy of each State Judicial Service Commission.
Non-Monetary Benefits for State Judges
-
Official accommodation or housing allowance
-
Security escorts and police protection
-
Official vehicle with maintenance
-
Domestic and foreign training opportunities
-
Health insurance for judge and immediate family
-
Gratuity and pension post-retirement
-
Life insurance policy (in some states)
Sample Summary Table of SG Judiciary Salaries 2025
| Position | Monthly Salary | Annual Package (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Judge (State) | ₦566,667 | ₦50m – ₦60m |
| High Court Judge | ₦458,333 | ₦40m – ₦50m |
| Chief Magistrate I | ₦316,667 | ₦25m – ₦32m |
| Magistrate II – III | ₦208k – ₦266k | ₦18m – ₦24m |
| Customary/Sharia Judge | ₦200k – ₦300k | ₦15m – ₦22m |
FAQs About SG Judiciary Salary & Allowances (2025)
Q1: Are state judges paid directly by the state governments?
A: Yes. State judges are paid through the State Judicial Service Commission and the state treasury, though FG recently approved direct funding to promote autonomy.
Q2: Is there disparity between FG and SG judiciary pay?
A: Historically, yes. But with the 2024 salary alignment, state judges now earn amounts closer to their federal counterparts.
Q3: What determines the variation in state judiciary pay?
A: Differences in state revenue, political will, and implementation of judicial financial autonomy account for these variations.
Q4: Do state magistrates receive benefits like high court judges?
A: Not as much. Their benefits are scaled based on grade level and judicial rank, but they still enjoy basic allowances and pension.
Q5: Can state judges practice law after retirement?
A: Yes, many retired judges go into private practice, arbitration, or lecturing, though restrictions may apply for a certain period post-retirement.
Conclusion
The 2025 salary and allowance structure for State Judiciary officials in Nigeria reflects recent reforms aimed at promoting judicial independence and fairness. Though disparities remain across states, most state judicial officers now enjoy more robust remuneration and incentives to deliver justice without fear or favor.
