Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has approved a salary increment for the 459 customary court judges serving across the state’s 153 customary courts, with the new structure set to take effect from January 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by Dr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, who explained that the adjustment aligns with the state’s recent minimum wage increase to N80,000.
“This review stems from a memo dated November 25, 2024, submitted by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr. Osinachi Nnajieze. The governor, in his usual magnanimity, approved the proposal,” Onyishi said.
The salary adjustment, Onyishi noted, reflects efforts to address the rising cost of living, following the national minimum wage increase to N70,000 and the subsequent upward review by the state government.
Under the revised structure, chairpersons of the customary courts will now earn N92,989.76, up from N42,989.76, while the two other members of each court will see their salaries rise from N39,736.18 to N89,736.18.
“This decision underscores the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of judicial officers and ensuring they are adequately compensated for their critical roles,” Onyishi added.
The move is expected to strengthen the judiciary in the state and boost morale among judicial officers, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the customary courts in delivering justice.