JUDICIAL OFFICERS (EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF SERVICE) ACT
Act · Education
An Act allows the extension of service for judicial officers beyond retirement age in exceptional circumstances. It targets senior judges and the National Judicial Council for decisions on retention. This preserves institutional experience in the judiciary.
JUDICIAL OFFICERS (EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF SERVICE) ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act providing for the extension of the term of service of judicial officers beyond the normal retirement age in exceptional circumstances where their continued service is in the public interest.
Who Does It Target?
Senior judicial officers approaching retirement age The National Judicial Council (NJC) The President for federal judicial appointments State Governors for state judicial extensions
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Preserve institutional experience and continuity in the judiciary by enabling the retention of highly experienced senior judges beyond the normal retirement age where their contribution is exceptional.
Key Features
Extension Power: The appointing authority may extend a judicial officer's service beyond retirement age. Conditions: Extensions must be in the public interest and subject to the officer's continuing fitness. Duration: Extensions are time-limited — not indefinite. NJC Recommendation: NJC recommendation is required before any extension is granted.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Federal and state judicial officers Beneficiaries: Judicial continuity; institutional experience Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Judicial officers seeking extensions: applications through NJC No public application — judicial appointment process Application method: Judicial appointment matters: engage NJC at https://www.njc.gov.ng
Important Terms
Extensions are exceptional — the norm is retirement at the prescribed age (65 or 70) Physical and mental fitness must be confirmed before extension Extensions cannot be used to perpetuate specific judicial officers beyond their public usefulness
Official Resources
Website: https://www.njc.gov.ng Contact: National Judicial Council (NJC)
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Judicial Officers (Extension of Period of Service) Act Cap J8 LFN 2004, Section 291 of the 1999 Constitution on judicial retirement, the Third Schedule to the Constitution, and the National Judicial Council Act.