NJC Condemns Non-payment Of Judges’ Retirement Benefits

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has condemned the failure of some state governments to pay retirement benefits of Judges at the state judiciary.

The council said the actions of the affected states were worrisome and condemnable in all ramifications.

In a statement made available to newsmen at the end of the council’s meeting that was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, NJC asked the defaulting states to belt up in the discharge of their legal obligations on the  payment of retirement benefits to Judicial officers.

The statement that was signed by the NJC’s director of information, Mr Soji Oye reads: “NJC under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at its 100th Meeting held on 19 January 2023, deliberated on the worrisome situation whereby many Judicial Officers of the States are being owed their retirement benefits, including severance pay/gratuity and pensions.

“After due consideration, the Council condemns in very strong terms this act, which is undermining the Rule of Law and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

“It therefore calls on the offending States to ensure that all entitlement of retired Judges is fully settled forthwith.

“Council further directed State Chief Judges to file reports on compliance, to reach the Council not later than 1 April 2023.”