Lagos lawmakers, during Plenary on Monday, read the “Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill” 2026 for the second time to improve magistrates’ welfare and working conditions, retain experienced judicial officers in the service, strengthen the magistracy, and enhance effective justice delivery in the State.
The amended Bill proposes an extension of the retirement age, enabling skilled and experienced magistrates to prolong their service to the State. This initiative aims to promote continuity in cases presented before the courts.
Speaking on the amended Bill, the chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petition and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, said the proposed amendment aims to strengthen the magistracy, improve magistrates’ conditions of service, and enhance the administration of justice in the State.
He elaborated that the State has made significant investments in the training and development of magistrates, emphasising the need for adequate welfare and improved working conditions to retain the expertise judicial officers have acquired within the system.
Advocating for raising the retirement age of magistrates from 60 to 65 years, Hon. Ajomale contended that permitting experienced magistrates to retire at 60 could result in the forfeiture of valuable knowledge and expertise at a critical juncture when their experience is most essential.
He further elaborated that magistrates handle a significant volume of cases involving ordinary citizens. He emphasised that a magistrate’s retirement during an ongoing matter may lead to delays and, in certain instances, require proceedings to be initiated anew.
Lending his voice to the proposed amended Bill, Hon. Bonu Solomon advocated for more research methods and improved welfare of magistrates in the State.
He noted that magistrates face substantial workloads, with some reportedly managing over 100 cases in a single day. He emphasised that the pressure on magistrates necessitates increased attention from the House regarding their welfare and working conditions.
Hon. Bonu asserted that improving magistrates’ welfare would motivate them to fulfil their responsibilities more efficiently, contributing to improved justice delivery throughout the State.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, said the retirement age of magistrates should not be based solely on age, but also on their competence and ability to continue performing effectively.
He noted that many people above 60 remain active and productive, stressing that competent magistrates should be allowed to continue serving while those no longer capable should retire.
Consequently, the Speaker committed the proposed amended Bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC for further deliberation and to report its findings in a week.