In a significant step towards improving justice delivery in Lagos State, a bill aimed at reducing litigation time in both Magistrate and High Courts has been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for approval. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced that once passed, the bill will ensure that civil cases conclude within 18 to 24 months, while tenancy disputes will be resolved within 3 to 6 months.
Pedro made this disclosure at a press conference held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja. The announcement marks his first year in office and precedes the upcoming Strategic Stakeholders Meeting of the ministry.
The proposed bill is part of broader justice reforms that include several key innovations:
- The establishment of the Lagos State Criminal Information System, which captures photographs, biometrics, and case information for all inmates in the state’s correctional centres.
- The creation of a Lis Pendens Registry to house information about land disputes in Lagos. This system will reduce the risk of third-party involvement in disputed land cases and boost confidence in the real estate sector.
- The introduction of a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry to provide certificates for customary marriages and dissolutions.
These reforms follow the Justice Reform Summit held in May 2024, which culminated in actionable recommendations designed to improve economic growth and investment protection through efficient legal processes. Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the creation of an implementation committee to oversee the execution of these reforms.
Furthermore, Pedro emphasized that the new bill will not only reduce delays in legal proceedings but will also protect investors by fostering a more efficient legal system. Also, By streamlining civil and tenancy litigation, Lagos aims to support economic growth and make the state an attractive destination for real-estate and business investment.
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