Lagos Assembly holds public hearing on bill to raise magistrates’ retirement age

The Lagos State House of Assembly has launched a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the state's Magistrates' Courts Law, 2015, with discussions focusing on provisions to enhance the administration of justice. At the center of the debate is the Magistrates' Court Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to raise the mandatory retirement age for magistrates from 60 to either 65 years or 35 years of service, whichever is sooner.

Held at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, the public hearing saw Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Deputy Speaker, share insights on the proposed alterations.

Obasa, representing the Speaker, emphasized that the amendment would enable the judiciary to continue leveraging the experience and knowledge of magistrates. The bill also proposes elevating the financial jurisdiction of magistrates from N10 million to N25 million, a move aimed at alleviating the burden on higher courts and expediting case resolution. The public hearing, part of the legislative process, invited stakeholders including lawyers, judicial professionals, and civil society to offer constructive feedback.

Hon. Owolabi Ibrahim Ajani, on behalf of Lagos Mainland I Constituency, backed the proposed changes, stating they would bolster the state's justice system and improve access to justice. He defended the increase in magistrates' jurisdiction, considering it a response to current economic conditions and a means to prevent overburdening higher courts.

Ajani urged legal professionals and stakeholders to contribute to the bill's deliberations, emphasizing the importance of the committee's recommendations before final legislative action.

Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, Chairman of the Lagos State Bar Association, agreed to the proposed extension of the retirement age but stressed that any increase should be contingent on the magistrates' health and regular medical evaluations. She advocated for safeguards around the Chief Judge's expanded authority and called for safeguards to ensure magistrates' welfare, addressing issues such as workload, remuneration, and administrative challenges.

Akingbade also pushed for increased funding for magistrates' courts and the adoption of technology-driven solutions to avoid potential delays in the justice system.