…seeks better welfare for Magistrates
The Lagos State House of Assembly has initiated moves to improve the welfare and working conditions of magistrates in the state as lawmakers consider an extension of their retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
The lawmakers on Monday during plenary session debated the Magistrate Courts Amendment Bill 2026, which seeks to strengthen the magistracy, retain experienced judicial officers and improve the administration of justice in Lagos State.
The proposed amendment is also expected to promote continuity in cases before the courts and prevent disruptions that could arise from the retirement of magistrates handling ongoing matters.
Leading the debate on the bill, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, Hon. Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi/Isolo 2) said the proposed amendment was aimed at strengthening the magistracy, improving the conditions of service of magistrates and enhancing justice administration in the state.
Ajomale noted that the state had invested significantly in the training and professional development of magistrates, stressing that improved welfare and working conditions were necessary to retain the expertise acquired by judicial officers within the system.
Contributing to the debate, Mr. Bonu Solomon called for more research into the working conditions of magistrates and improved welfare packages for judicial officers in the state.
Bonu said magistrates were often confronted with heavy workloads, noting that some reportedly handled more than 100 cases in a single day.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the retirement age of magistrates should not be determined solely by age but should also take into consideration their competence, capacity and ability to continue performing their duties effectively.
Obasa observed that many people above the age of 60 remained active and productive, arguing that competent magistrates should be allowed to continue serving, while those who could no longer perform effectively should retire.
Following the debate, the Speaker committed the bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC for further deliberation. The committee was directed to consider the proposed amendments and submit its report to the House within one week.
