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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Lg Judiciary Salary Scale, Grade Levels & Allowances For Staff In Nigeria (2025): Official Figures
Curious how much local government judiciary staff earn in Nigeria? Whether you're eyeing a job as a court clerk, bailiff, magistrate, or aiming for judicial administration, this guide lays out the official figures for 2025—with clear breakdowns of monthly pay and added perks.
Who Works in the LG Judiciary?
The local government judiciary typically includes:
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Magistrates & Customary Court Judges
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Court Registrars & Clerical Staff
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Bailiffs, Process Servers & Registry Officers
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Chief Registrar / Head of Court Administration
Judicial officers like magistrates have separate pay scales, while support staff follow the standard civil service structure.
1. Support Staff: Civil Service (CONPSS) Grades
Support staff—such as clerks, bailiffs, and registry assistants—are paid under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), usually between Grade Levels 06 to 14.
Monthly Salary Overview
| Grade Level (GL) | Monthly Basic Salary (₦) | Common Positions |
|---|---|---|
| GL 06 – GL 08 | ₦140,000 – ₦300,000 | Bailiffs, registry assistants |
| GL 09 – GL 12 | ₦260,000 – ₦600,000 | Court clerks, junior registrars |
| GL 13 – GL 14 | ₦400,000 – ₦700,000 | Senior clerks, deputy registrars |
Step increases apply annually within each grade for progressive salary growth.
2. Judicial Officers: Magistrates & Judges
LG judicial officers receive a distinct, more generous salary package, reflecting their critical legal responsibilities.
Magistrates & Customary Court Judges
Basic salary is often modest, but monthly allowances boost total earnings significantly.
| Component | Amount (₦) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ₦150,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Regular Allowances | ₦450,000 – ₦650,000 |
| Total Monthly Pay | ₦600,000 – ₦850,000 |
Allowances may include housing, transport, utility, and domestic staff support.
3. Administration & Leadership Roles
Positions like Chief Registrar or Head of Court Administration fall into higher CONPSS grades or attract additional responsibility allowances.
| Role / Grade Level | Monthly Basic (₦) | Allowances (₦) | Total Take-Home (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Registrar (GL 13) | ₦400,000 – ₦500,000 | ₦120,000 – ₦200,000 | ₦520,000 – ₦700,000 |
| Chief Registrar (GL 15) | ₦600,000 – ₦800,000 | ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 | ₦800,000 – ₦1.2 million+ |
4. Allowances Across the Board
All judiciary staff benefit from a robust set of allowances, which help significantly elevate their compensation:
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Housing/Rent Allowance
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Utility & Meals Subsidy
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Transport or Vehicle Allowance
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Domestic Staff or Support Stipends
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Leave Bonus (Annual)
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Duty Tour / Estacode for official trips
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Furniture/Equipment Grant (periodic)
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Retirement Gratuity
Sample Pay Summary: Take-Home Pay
| Role Category | Total Monthly Pay (₦) |
|---|---|
| Bailiff / Support Staff (GL 06) | ₦200,000 – ₦380,000 |
| Registrar (GL 09 – GL 12) | ₦360,000 – ₦800,000 |
| Magistrate / Court Judge | ₦600,000 – ₦850,000 |
| Chief Registrar (GL 15) | ₦800,000 – ₦1.2 million+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do all states follow this structure?
While the basic structure is standard, exact figures and additional perks may differ slightly across states.
Q: How often do salaries increase?
Support staff receive yearly "step" salary increments. Magistrates may benefit from periodic pay reviews and promotions.
Q: Are judicial allowances taxed?
Basic salary is taxable; some allowances may be exempt or partly taxable, depending on state laws.
Q: Can a bailiff earn more than a magistrate?
Unlikely—judicial officers typically earn more due to higher-grade allowances and responsibility levels.
Q: Is furniture allowance a monthly benefit?
No—it’s usually granted periodically and helps staff maintain an office or court equipment.
Final Thoughts
Working in the LG judiciary is both prestigious and rewarding:
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Support staff earn ₦200,000 – ₦800,000+, depending on grade and allowances.
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Magistrates and judicial officers make between ₦600,000 and ₦1 million+ per month.
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Leadership roles like Chief Registrar can exceed ₦1 million in monthly take-home pay.
In 2025, a career in the local judiciary offers competitive salaries, regular allowances, and a clear structure—whether you're starting as a registry assistant or aiming to be a magistrate.
