Lagos Assembly Proposes Magistrates' Retirement Age Increase

The Lagos State House of Assembly conducted a public hearing on the Magistrates’ Court Amendment Bill, 2026, on Monday, focusing on amendments to the state’s Magistrates’ Courts Law, 2015. The bill proposes increasing the mandatory retirement age for magistrates from 60 to 65 years or 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, representing Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, stated that the amendment aims to retain experienced magistrates, enhancing the judiciary's knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, the bill seeks to raise the financial jurisdiction of magistrates from N10 million to N25 million, which is intended to alleviate the burden on High Courts and expedite case resolutions. Hon. Owolabi Ibrahim Ajani emphasized that the legislation would strengthen the justice system and improve access to justice.

Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade, Chairman of the Lagos State Bar Association, supported the retirement age increase but called for health assessments and safeguards regarding the Chief Judge's authority to increase magistrates' jurisdiction.