Lagos Assembly holds hearing on proposed increase in magistrates’ retirement age

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the state’s Magistrates’ Courts Law, 2015, including a proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age of magistrates from 60 to 65 years.

The public hearing was held on Monday as part of the legislative process for the Magistrates’ Courts Amendment Bill, 2026.

The proposed amendment would allow magistrates to remain in service until 65 years or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

The bill is aimed at retaining experienced judicial officers and preserving institutional knowledge within the state’s judiciary.

The proposed legislation also seeks to increase the financial jurisdiction of magistrates from N10 million to N25 million. Lawmakers said the adjustment would reduce the workload on the High Courts and facilitate faster resolution of cases.

Speaking through Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the proposed amendment would enable the judiciary to retain experienced magistrates and benefit from their knowledge in the administration of justice.

He said the public hearing was intended to allow legal practitioners, judicial officers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to contribute to the proposed changes.

A member of the House representing Lagos Mainland I Constituency, Owolabi Ibrahim Ajani, said extending the retirement age would help preserve experience within the judiciary and promote continuity in court proceedings.

Chairman of the Lagos State Bar Association, Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, also supported the proposed extension but urged the Assembly to make continued service subject to good health and periodic medical evaluations.

She called for improved welfare, increased funding for magistrates’ courts and stronger safeguards around the proposed expansion of magistrates’ jurisdiction.

Stakeholders’ submissions at the public hearing will be considered by the relevant committee as the Assembly continues its deliberations on the bill.