The Federal Government has set aside ₦341.6 billion in the 2026 budget to cover the salaries and allowances of judges. This continues the significant increase in judicial funding that began after the National Assembly approved a salary adjustment in 2024.
The funds are listed under statutory transfers to the National Judicial Council (NJC), which oversees the federal judiciary. A review of the budget shows that nearly all of the NJC’s allocation is dedicated to paying judges, with little to no provision for infrastructure or other capital expenses.
Historical data reveals that judiciary funding remained steady for years before the recent surge. Between 2019 and 2021, the NJC received around ₦110 billion each year, rising slightly to ₦120 billion in 2022 and ₦150 billion in 2023. However, in 2024, the National Assembly dramatically increased the allocation from ₦165 billion to ₦341.63 billion, making it one of the largest statutory transfers that year. The 2026 budget maintains this higher funding level.
The salary hike followed the passage of the Judicial Officers’ Salaries and Allowances Act (Amendment) Bill in late 2023, which introduced new pay scales for judges starting in January 2024. Under the revised structure, the Chief Justice of Nigeria now earns approximately ₦5.39 million monthly, while other Supreme Court and appellate court justices receive similarly high salaries.
While the NJC’s budget is mostly for salaries, other parts of the 2026 budget include funding for court-related projects. For instance, the law and justice sector has ₦11.64 billion allocated for capital projects, and the Ministry of Works has additional funds for court infrastructure.
However, challenges persist in the justice system. The Federal Ministry of Justice has set aside ₦520 million to buy fuel for generators at its headquarters and offices, highlighting ongoing electricity problems. Courts across the country continue to operate in poor conditions, with many lacking stable power, proper recording equipment, and basic facilities.
During a June 2025 interview on Channels Television, senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome criticized the state of Nigerian courts, calling them "dilapidated infrastructure" where judges often write proceedings by hand. He argued that while fair judicial pay is important, proper court conditions are equally crucial.
An anonymous Abuja-based lawyer echoed this concern, stating that generous salaries for judges mean little if courtrooms remain unsafe, poorly lit, or inadequate for litigants. The lawyer criticized the government’s priorities, emphasizing that improving court facilities should be a higher priority.
