The National Judicial Council on Thursday in Abuja raised concerns about the refusal of some state governments to pay retirement benefits to judges.

The NJC also directed state chief judges to file compliance reports latest by April 1, 2023.

While describing the action of the affected states as worrisome and condemnable, the NJC said it was undermining the rule of law and Section 6 of the Constitution.

The NJC expressed its displeasure in a statement issued by its Director of Information, Soji Oye, following its 100th meeting which was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The organisation asked the defaulting states to buckle up in the discharge of their legal obligations on the payment of retirement benefits to judicial officers.

The statement read in part, “The NJC, under the chairmanship of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at its 100th meeting held on January 19, 2023, deliberated on the worrisome situation whereby many judicial officers of the states are being owed their retirement benefits, including severance pay, gratuities, 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 entitlements of retired judges are fully settled forthwith.

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