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…laments judges have been neglected for too long
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
A retired judge in Ogun State, Justice Solomon Abidoye Olugbemi, has called on both the federal and state governments to prioritize the welfare and well-being of members of the judiciary, particularly judges, to enhance delivery of justice.
Abidoye, who observed that the judiciary has been neglected for too long, equally lamented the “outrageous” amount of money being allocated and literally shared by the members of the executive and legislative arms of government.
He made this call on Tuesday while delivering his paper entitled ‘Judicial Officers’ Well-Being’ at Judiciary Conference, held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking further at the conference which was part of activities marking the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Ogun State Judiciary, the retired judge argued that despite the pivotal role by the judiciary, judges have not been allocated adequate funds to cater for their welfare and well-being.
Quoting from the Vanguard Newspaper in the editorial of June 2, 2020 on the topic addressing judges’ welfare, Abidoye said “the paper had written entirely and I quote that the legislative and executive arms which control and spend the financial resources of the country are among the best remunerated in the world, though the official salaries appear puny, the overall conditions of service are among the most enviable among their peers globally. The ease with which some of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministers were able to bring out the 100 million naira for the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential form, and the empowerment programmes of lawmakers showed that the two branches help themselves to our Commonwealth while neglecting the judiciary
“Unquote, the Vanguard Newspaper editorial is on point when one considers that in this country, governors and their deputies receive excessive retirement benefits, including pensions and other allowances, after spending a maximum of only eight years in office.
These benefits are usually contained in laws passed by the state assemblies and may include annual pensions equivalent to 100% of their large drawn salaries, luxury vehicles, security allowances for furniture, domestic staff and security details for life. Top legislative officials also received similar pensions”, he added.
He, however, said that such treatment of political office holders is unfair to public servants who have spent 35 years in service or retired at the age of 60, and are still struggling to have a good life.
“This is most unfair to other public servants, who mostly spend up to 35 years in service or retire at the age of 60. This unfair treatment also affects judicial officers”, Abidoye stressed.
He recommended that the Nigerian Constitution should be further amended to make the funding of the state judiciary a direct charge on the Federation Account and to be paid directly by the National Judicial Council to the heads of various state courts through their Chief Judges.
This, according to him, will enable the heads of courts to carry out necessary infrastructure developments and modernization of their cause to also enhance the freedom of judicial officers from external or political influence.
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Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Modupeola Dipeolu, lamented that judges’ salaries have remained stagnant for 15 years, despite the critical role they play in upholding the rule of law.
She posited that the stagnation of judges’ salaries for over a decade has led to financial struggles and neglect, which have negatively impacted their well-being and ability to deliver justice effectively.
She also highlighted that inadequate funding of the judiciary, poor infrastructure, and outdated technology, have also hindered the effective administration of justice.
The Chief Judge further expressed concern about the mental health of judges, saying that researches have shown that judges experience high levels of distress, burnout, obesity, hypertension, and mental health issues due to workload and stress.
She emphasised the need for the government to prioritise judicial welfare and ensure sustained investment in the judiciary.
Justice Dipeolu urged the state government to consider regular salary increase and improved working conditions to promote judges’ well-being.
She noted that a healthy and well-supported judiciary is essential for the effective administration of justice and the promotion of the rule of law.
While acknowledging the recent Constitutional amendment and new Act on Judicial Salaries and Allowances signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ogun State Chief Judge expressed optimism that the development would mark the beginning of a new era of improved remuneration and working conditions for judges.
“For decades, the judiciary, the third and coequal arm of government, has been treated as an afterthought. We have endured a legacy of inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a painful disconnect between the immense responsibilities we bear and the resources allocated to us. We have all experienced these realities: from the struggle with dilapidated courtrooms and outdated technology to the security concerns in our residences and the immense pressure from a society that often misunderstands our financial constraints. For fifteen long years, between 2008 and 2023, our salaries remained stagnant, a silent testament to institutional neglect.
“However, 2023 brought a ray of hope. The Constitutional alteration and, most recently, the new Act on Judicial Salaries and Allowances signed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represent a significant and welcome shift. While we express our gratitude for this development, we must be steadfast in our advocacy to ensure these gains are not a one-off event but the beginning of a new era of sustained investment in judicial welfare.
“As wisely suggested, the remuneration of Judicial Officers should be increased regularly, and not occasionally or arbitrarily. True well-being is sustained, not sporadic”, Justice Dipeolu submitted.
