Lagos Defends Proposed Retirement Age For Magistrates

 

The Lagos State Government has explained that the proposed amendment to the Magistrates Law, seeking to extend the retirement age of Magistrates and Law Officers, is aimed at addressing an emerging imbalance in the justice sector.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, said the bill was not an Executive Bill sponsored by his office, but a Private Member’s Bill currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Pedro said the proposal was consistent with the state’s longstanding policy of harmonising the conditions of service of Law Officers with those of Magistrates, a policy dating back to 1997. He said the proposed amendment became necessary following the 2023 constitutional alteration which increased the retirement age of High Court judges from 65 to 70 years.

According to him, the extension has reduced vacancies on the High Court Bench, thereby limiting opportunities for experienced Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers to progress to the High Court before reaching the existing retirement age of 60.

Pedro said retaining the officers longer would help preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen succession planning and ensure that the state benefits from its investment in their training and professional development.

Under the proposed amendment, a Magistrate or Law Officer may retire at 60 but would cease to hold office at 65 years or after 40 years in service, whichever comes earlier. The Attorney-General urged Lagosians to assess the proposal on its rationale and policy implications rather than sentiment.