Lagosians could soon experience quicker resolutions to civil cases as the Lagos State government is moving forward with reforms aimed at speeding up the judicial process.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has revealed that civil cases in the state may soon be concluded within 18 to 24 months.
Pedro made this announcement at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, where he outlined key legal reforms that are designed to improve the efficiency of the state’s justice system.
He explained that the new measures, which are part of recommendations from the recent Justice Reform Summit, would not only ensure timely justice but also encourage economic growth and investment.
One of the most significant aspects of the proposed reforms is the Administration of Civil Justice Law, which is expected to transform how quickly civil cases are handled in Lagos State courts.
According to Mr. Pedro, the bill for this new law has already been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for the legislative process.
“If the Bill is passed into law, litigation in trial courts should not last more than 18 to 24 months,” Pedro explained.
“This will be a major improvement, as current delays in the court system often frustrate individuals and businesses who seek justice.”
The proposed law will also address tenancy disputes, ensuring they are resolved within three to six months, a development that would significantly reduce the burden on tenants and landlords alike.
The Attorney General emphasized that the reforms are crucial for Lagos State’s economic growth.
Delays in civil cases have been identified as a major obstacle to investment and economic progress in the state.
“One of the foremost areas of focus for the committee was the Administration of Civil Justice for Economic Growth and Investment Protection,” Pedro said.
He stressed that reducing the time it takes to conclude cases in Magistrate and High Courts is essential to fostering a more favorable business environment in Lagos.
This is particularly important in a state like Lagos, which is the economic hub of Nigeria and one of Africa’s largest commercial centers.
By addressing delays in the justice system, the state hopes to build investor confidence and attract more businesses to operate in Lagos.
While the focus is on civil justice, Mr. Pedro also highlighted efforts to tackle delays in the criminal justice system.
He acknowledged that delays in receiving legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and prosecuting criminal cases had been a longstanding issue.
These delays have often led to overcrowding in correctional facilities, as inmates await trial for extended periods.
However, the Attorney General stated that the Lagos State government is actively addressing this issue.
He pointed out that the Lagos State Criminal Information System (LASCIS) has been established to capture photographs, biometric data, and details of all inmates in the state’s correctional centers.
“This system will allow for better management of the criminal justice process, ensuring that no one is lost in the system and that cases move more efficiently,” Pedro explained.
The Criminal Information System is expected to improve transparency and accountability in the way criminal cases are handled, reducing the chances of wrongful imprisonment or prolonged detention without trial.
Another critical innovation is the proposed establishment of a Lis Pendens Registry, which aims to reduce land disputes in Lagos.
Pedro explained that the registry will serve as a database of all ongoing land disputes in the state’s courts.
This means that unsuspecting buyers will no longer be able to purchase land that is involved in litigation, as they will be able to check the registry before making any transactions.
“The Lis Pendens Registry is designed to prevent third-party interests in ongoing court cases,” Pedro said.
“This initiative will not only reduce the number of disputes but also enhance confidence in real estate investments within the state.”
By creating a transparent system for land transactions, the government hopes to reduce the number of cases that end up in court and provide more security for property buyers and investors.
In addition to reforms in civil and criminal justice, Mr. Pedro mentioned another bill that would establish a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry.
This registry would allow Lagosians to obtain certificates for customary marriages and dissolutions, ensuring that traditional marriage processes are formally recognized and regulated.
This would simplify the process for individuals seeking to prove the legal status of their marriages or dissolutions, especially in cases where disputes arise over the validity of customary unions.
The proposed registry is expected to provide greater clarity and fairness in matters related to marriage and divorce, which are often handled outside of formal court processes under customary law.