The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a proposal to raise the retirement age for magistrates in the state from 60 to 65 years.

The proposal is contained in the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill 2026, which was debated during Monday’s plenary session of the Assembly.

The bill seeks to strengthen the magistracy, retain experienced judicial officers and improve the administration of justice across Lagos State.

Leading the debate, 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 of magistrates.

Ajomale noted that the Lagos State Government had invested significantly in the training and professional development of magistrates.

He said improved working conditions would help retain experienced judicial officers and enable the judiciary to benefit from their expertise for a longer period.

According to him, extending the retirement age could also promote continuity in cases before the courts and reduce disruptions that may occur when magistrates handling ongoing cases retire.

Lagos magistrates face heavy workload

Contributing to the debate, Bonu Solomon called for a comprehensive assessment of the working conditions of magistrates, alongside improved welfare packages for judicial officers.

Solomon highlighted the heavy workload handled by magistrates, noting that some reportedly preside over more than 100 cases daily.

He stressed the need for better working conditions to enable magistrates to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Obasa backs competence over age

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, supported the proposal, arguing that age should not be the sole factor determining when a judicial officer leaves service.

Obasa said competence, capacity and the ability to continue performing judicial duties effectively should also be considered.

He noted that many people above the age of 60 remained productive and capable of making meaningful contributions to society.

The Speaker said magistrates who remained capable of effectively performing their duties should be allowed to continue serving, while those who could no longer meet the demands of the office should retire.

Bill referred to committee

Following the debate, Obasa referred the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill 2026 to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further scrutiny.

The committee was given one week to consider the bill and submit its report to the House.

If eventually passed and assented to, the proposed amendment would raise the retirement age of Lagos State magistrates from 60 to 65 years.