MAGISTRATES COURTS LAW:

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RETIREMENT

_Examining the Plight of a Retired Magistrate in Lagos State_

*By Bayo Akinlade Esq (Citizens Support for Lower Courts)*
[September 2026]

Since 2013, there has been a total of about 23 retired Magistrates (RM) with perhaps another one or two retiring before the end of the year

The least of these RMs have served in the Lagos State Magistracy for about 22 years

In these 22yrs with an average of 300 cases in their respective dockets per year, they have attended to roughly over 60,000 cases worth billions of Naira and have probably passed prison sentences or fines on thousands of accused persons.

What happens to these legal practitioners after investing their best physical and intellectual years protecting law and order for Lagos State?

With a population of over 18million citizens there are currently less than 130 sitting Magistrates. These RMs served Lagos State and its 18million plus citizens but they struggled to make ends meet, they struggled to raise their kids and give them adequate shelter.

Today these RMs are struggling with health issues, some still have infant children and some still struggle to pay house rent.

Some are now dependents.

These Magistrates retired at level 16 and level 17 under the civil service grading structure. Their colleagues who retired working in the Executive Arm of Government become permanent secretaries and top directors enjoying all sorts of privileges but in the Judiciary, our Magistrates don't even have health insurance.

What is their pension? Well depending on the contributory pension plan they had, some are paid as low as 23k per month. Imagine that!

Sadly some of these RMs have not even received any pension after 2 whole years of retirement.

My appeal is now to the Lagos State Government. In light of the ongoing review of the Law, can we not do something to also alleviate the suffering of these RMs?

Can these lawyers not be treated with compassion and given support in their old age?

Can the leadership of the NBA find its way to speaking up for RMs?

The RMs have become vulnerable persons, nearly half of them are women who do not have support from anyone, they are mothers and grandmothers who still need to support their families. The men are even more vulnerable with more expectations placed on them by society.

We cannot abandon them now. We need to strengthen our legal framework to protect them and those who will eventually join their ranks.

They served Lagos State, it's time Lagos State acknowledge that service and protect them in their most vulnerable moments.

Eko o ni baje ooo

#RenewedHOPE