Lagos Lawmakers at Monday Plenary read for the second time the “Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill” 2026, with a view to improve the welfare and working conditions of magistrates.
The bill intends to 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 targets promotion of seamless handling of cases presented before the courts.
Speaking on the amended bill, the Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petition and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale maintained that the proposed amendment aimed at strengthening the magistracy, improving the conditions of service of magistrates and enhancing the administration of justice in the State.
He elaborated that the State has made significant investments in the training and development of magistrates, emphasizing the necessity of adequate welfare and enhanced working conditions to ensure the retention of expertise acquired by judicial officers within the system.
Advocating for raising the retirement age of magistrates from 60 to 65 years, Hon. Ajomale contend 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 hold responsibility for 60-70 percent of cases involving ordinary citizens.
He emphasized that the retirement of a magistrate during the course of an ongoing matter may lead to delays and, in certain instances, necessitate the initiation of proceedings anew.
Lending his voice on the proposed amended bill, Hon. Bonu Solomon advocates for more research method and improved welfare of magistrates in the State.
He noted that magistrates are confronted with substantial workloads, with some reportedly managing over 100 cases in a single day.
He emphasized that the pressure on magistrates necessitates increased attention from the House regarding their welfare and working conditions.
Hon. Bonu asserted that enhancing the welfare of magistrates would serve as a motivating factor, enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities more efficiently, thus contributing to improved justice delivery throughout the State.
Hon Foluke Osafile (Amuwo-Odofin 1) however, differ in her argument on the service age increment for magistracy.
“I want to differ a little on the age increase for the magistracy , it would be a disservice if we allow our magistrate to die in active service.
“We need to create room for them to enjoy the fruit of their labour, they should retire at 60.”
Giving his remarks, the Speaker of the House,Rt. Hon. (Dr.) 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 report its findings in a week.