LAGOS GOVT SET TO COLLABORATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE DELIVERY

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The Lagos State Government plans to start working with a number of important parties to improve the state’s administration of justice.

At a press briefing on Monday to commemorate his first year in office, Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, made this announcement and announced a high-profile strategic meeting aimed at enhancing interagency cooperation, legal enforcement, and justice administration throughout Lagos State.

He added that the meeting, themed: “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Justice Delivery” is scheduled for October 23rd and 24th, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

The AG claims that the conference is an important follow-up to the Lagos Justice Summit, which took place in May 2024 and at which stakeholders recognized the need for more collaboration within the legal system.

According to him, the purpose of the strategic meeting is to coordinate the activities of different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in order to enhance service delivery and lower government liabilities, especially in fields like environmental management, land administration, and physical planning.

“The meeting will serve as a platform for engaging stakeholders in an open dialogue aimed at advancing the justice delivery system in Lagos State”, he said.

Pedro further noted that over the past year, under the able leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Ministry of Justice has made significant strides in facilitating the enforcement of laws and enhancing Justice Administration.

“The Ministry’s focus has remained steadfast on ensuring justice is accessible to all residents, irrespective of socio-economic background. In line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, numerous initiatives have been introduced, including the completion of the JIC Taylor Magistrate Court House and the provision of official quarters for Magistrates.

“Key improvements have been seen in legal services access, prosecution processes, and support for the vulnerable. The Lagos State Criminal Information System has been launched, capturing biometric data and tracking cases of all inmates in the state’s correctional
centres. In addition, new bills on civil justice and land administration reforms are being forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly”, he noted.

He also outlined other significant innovations, such as a measure to create a Lis Pendens Registry, which will act as a database for data on land disputes in court. The registry aims to increase confidence in real estate investment in the state and deter naïve buyers from purchasing land embroiled in litigation.

Pedro also brought up a bill that would establish a registry for customary marriages and dissolutions. Lagos State citizens would be able to get formal certificates for traditional marriages and their dissolutions thanks to this.

In order to establish a more effective and equitable judicial system, the Attorney General and Commissioner for judicial emphasized the significance of constant communication and collaboration among all parties involved.

He emphasized the vital responsibilities that government organizations, community leaders, and the media play in this endeavor, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in promoting accountability and openness.

Earlier, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, the Permanent Secretary and Acting Solicitor-General, thanked everyone for their dedication to the state’s reforms in the judicial sector.

Oyenuga emphasized the value of inclusive discourse and exhorted interested parties to seize the chance for cooperation in tackling urgent issues.

“Your input will be vital in shaping a more efficient and equitable justice system for Lagos State residents, ” he stated.