Lagos State faces dispute over proposed Magistrates’ Law retirement age amendment

A proposed amendment to the Magistrates’ Court Law, 2015, in Lagos State is causing tension within the public service. The Magistrates’ Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to increase the retirement age for Law Officers from 60 to 65 years and extend their maximum period of service from 35 to 40 years.

Critics within the Lagos State Public Service have raised concerns regarding equity, questioning why Law Officers would receive different treatment than other professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers. There are also fears that extending the tenure of senior officers will obstruct career progression and delay promotions for younger staff by preventing the creation of vacancies.

Broadly, the practice of extending the tenure of retiring public officers through administrative arrangements has been identified as a growing concern in Nigeria. Such extensions can impact institutional succession, the rule of law, and the career opportunities of officers positioned to succeed retiring officials.