The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a proposal to increase the retirement age for magistrates in the state from 60 to 65 years.
The development followed deliberations during Monday’s plenary on the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill 2026, which seeks to strengthen the magistracy, retain experienced judicial officers and enhance the administration of justice.
Leading the debate, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, Oladipo Ajomale, said the proposed amendment was designed to improve the welfare and conditions of service for magistrates.
Ajomale noted that the Lagos State Government had invested substantially in the training and professional development of magistrates, stressing that improved working conditions would help retain their experience and expertise within the judiciary.
He added that extending the retirement age could promote continuity in cases before the courts and reduce disruptions that often arise when magistrates handling ongoing matters retire.
Contributing to the debate, Bonu Solomon called for further assessment of the working conditions of magistrates, alongside improved welfare packages for judicial officers.
Bonu pointed to the heavy workload handled by magistrates, noting that some reportedly preside over more than 100 cases daily.
Speaking on the proposal, the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, argued that age alone should not determine when a judicial officer leaves service.
According to him, competence, capacity and the ability to continue performing judicial duties effectively should also be considered.
Obasa observed that many people above the age of 60 remained productive, maintaining that magistrates who were still capable of delivering effectively should be allowed to continue serving, while those who could no longer meet the demands of the office should retire.
Following the debate, Obasa referred the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further scrutiny.
The committee was given one week to complete its consideration and submit its report to the House.
