Lagos Assembly moves to raise magistrates’ retirement age to 65

The Lagos State House of Assembly is deliberating a proposal to raise the retirement age of magistrates from 60 to 65 years. During a plenary session on Monday, the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill 2026 was under consideration, aiming to bolster the magistracy, retain experienced judicial officers, and enhance justice administration.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, Oladipo Ajomale, defended the amendment, stating it would improve magistrates' welfare and working conditions. He emphasized that the Lagos State Government had invested significantly in their training and professional development, asserting that better conditions would retain their expertise within the judiciary.

Ajomale argued that extending the retirement age could maintain continuity in ongoing cases and reduce disruptions when magistrates retire. Bonu Solomon, also a speaker in the debate, called for an evaluation of the working conditions of magistrates and urged improved welfare packages for judicial officers. He highlighted the heavy workload, with some magistrates handling over 100 cases daily.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, however, contested the notion that age should be the sole criterion for retirement, stressing that competence, capacity, and the ability to perform judicial duties effectively should also be considered. Obasa noted that many individuals above 60 remain productive, urging the retention of capable magistrates while allowing others to retire.

The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further review, with a deadline of one week for completion and submission of a report.