Lagos AG Lawal Pedro Clarifies Magistrates’ Law Amendment

On September 16, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, clarified that the proposed amendment to the Magistrates’ Law currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly is not an Executive Bill but rather a private member initiative. This clarification was necessary due to controversy surrounding the bill's origin and purpose.

Pedro emphasized that the bill was independently introduced and is undergoing legislative consideration. He noted that the Ministry of Justice's position aligns with a longstanding policy aimed at harmonizing the conditions of service for law officers with those of magistrates, a framework established in Lagos since 1997.

Similar legislation has been enacted in states such as Abia, Kogi, Benue, Imo, and Kwara to ensure parity in remuneration and conditions of service. Pedro stated that the amendment should be viewed as a continuation of existing policy rather than an attempt to create new privileges.

He also referenced a 2023 law in Osun state that raised the retirement age for justice administration officers to 65 years.