Nigerian Federal Judiciary Staff Endure Hardship Amid Withheld Entitlements

Federal judiciary staff in Nigeria are grappling with severe financial hardship due to long-standing issues of withheld entitlements and stagnant wages, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to improve their working conditions. Despite the recent increase of the national minimum wage to N70,000, federal judiciary staff remain at a significantly lower N35,000, straining their ability to support their families.

This pay disparity has created a stark contrast between judiciary staff and judicial officers, who enjoy more substantial employment packages. The challenges facing judiciary workers impact a range of roles, including clerks, court registrars, legal research assistants, administrative personnel, and bailiffs—key personnel who are instrumental in the justice system.

The union representing judiciary staff reports that workers in some courts are still awaiting 40% of their entitlements, and recent 25% and 35% increments have yet to be implemented. The impact is particularly troubling given the role judiciary staff play in upholding democratic values, ensuring justice, and protecting citizens’ rights.

Public affairs commentator Jonas Ofondo warned of the broader implications of this disparity, stating, “Where judiciary staff are neglected or poorly remunerated, there’s a breeding ground for corruption, and justice will always be the casualty.” He called on President Bola Tinubu to review judiciary staff pay as a step towards reducing corruption in the system.

The National Judicial Council and Federal Judicial Service Commission are urged to prioritise the welfare of judiciary staff and address these outstanding issues to prevent further erosion of morale within the judiciary.