ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has assented to a constitutional amendment bill ensuring uniform retirement age for judicial officers across the country.
Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information to the President, confirmed in a statement on Thursday, June 8, 2023, that President Tinubu had signed into law the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) (No. 37), 2023,” presented by the outgoing 9th National Assembly.
The new law marks a key reform in the Nigerian judiciary, unifying retirement age and pension rights for judicial officers, among other associated matters.
As a consequence of the Presidential assent, the retirement age for High Court judges has been increased from 65 to 70 years, providing the judiciary with experienced hands for an extended period and helping to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.
Upon signing the amendment bill into law, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the fortification of the judiciary, the upholding of the rule of law, and the empowerment of judicial officers to effectively carry out their duties.
“This landmark legislation reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthen our judiciary and uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law,” President Tinubu said. “By ensuring uniform retirement age, we are empowering our judicial officers with more time to serve our nation and dispense justice.”
Legal analysts see the move as a significant milestone that aligns with international best practices and an essential step in strengthening Nigeria’s judicial system.
It is expected to help build a more robust, effective, and experienced judiciary, thereby bolstering Nigeria’s democracy.
