Date: 23 September 2026

Proposed Amendment to the Lagos State Magistrates Law: What You Should Know

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has issued a statement concerning the proposed amendment to the Magistrates Law of Lagos State, which is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The proposed amendment concerns the retirement age of Magistrates and Law Officers in Lagos State. It is important to note that the proposal is not yet an enacted law and remains subject to the legislative process.

What Is Being Proposed?

According to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, the proposed amendment would provide that a Magistrate or Law Officer in the State may retire at 60 years, but would cease to hold office at 65 years or after 40 years of service, whichever occurs earlier.

The Ministry explained that the proposal is intended to address changes in the structure of the judiciary following the constitutional extension of the retirement age of High Court Judges from 65 to 70 years.

Why Is the Amendment Being Proposed?

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice states that the extension of the retirement age for High Court Judges has reduced the number of vacancies available on the High Court Bench.

Traditionally, experienced Chief Magistrates and senior Law Officers could progress to the High Court when vacancies arose. According to the Ministry, the change in retirement age has affected that progression pathway.

The proposed amendment is therefore presented as an attempt to retain experienced judicial and legal officers for a longer period while maintaining continuity and institutional knowledge within the justice sector.

Is This Already Law?

No

The proposal is currently a Private Member's Bill before the Lagos State House of Assembly. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice expressly stated that it is not an Executive Bill sponsored by the Attorney-General's Office.

Therefore, the proposed retirement provisions should not be treated as the current law until the legislative process is completed and the relevant legislation is duly enacted.

Why Does This Matter?

The proposal could have implications for:

• Career progression within the Lagos State judiciary
• Retention of experienced Magistrates and Law Officers
• Succession planning within the justice sector
• The administration of justice in Lagos State
• Conditions of service applicable to affected officers

The development is therefore relevant to legal practitioners, judicial officers and others interested in the administration of justice in Lagos State.

What Happens Next?

The proposal remains subject to consideration by the Lagos State House of Assembly. Its final wording and legal effect will depend on the legislative process and any amendments made before enactment.

Members of the public should therefore distinguish between a proposed amendment and an amendment that has already become law.

Legal Disclaimer

This update is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The position of the law may change following legislative action or further judicial or governmental developments. Persons affected by the proposed amendment should obtain appropriate professional legal advice based on their individual circumstances.

Source: Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Press Statement dated 14 September 2026.