The Lagos State Government has initiated comprehensive reforms intended to enhance both criminal and civil justice systems in the region.
During a meeting with journalists covering judicial matters in Lagos on Tuesday, Lagos State's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, made the announcement.
Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted that the reforms are designed to decrease the backlog of cases and increase access to justice for the communities.
He indicated that the ministry is leveraging technology and institutional changes to bolster the efficiency of criminal justice processes.
According to the Attorney-General, Lagos now employs a criminal information system capable of tracking defendants across all courts in the state effectively. Measures such as inmate profiling, plea bargaining, and non- custodial sentencing have also been put in place to alleviate the issue of awaiting-trial inmates.
Pedro noted that many individuals classified as awaiting trial were not in custody but had been released on bail. He added that the plea-bargaining approach is contributing significantly to reducing the congestion in prisons, alongside the implementation of the prerogative of mercy for similar purposes.
Moreover, the attorney-general mentioned that Lagos has enacted a witness protection law to promote a swift and efficient criminal justice process.
On the civil justice side, Mr. Pedro explained that the state government is working with the judiciary to minimize delays, addressing hundreds of appeals in a timely manner. He mentioned that ongoing reforms under the Administration of Civil Justice Law aim to streamline court procedures, currently awaiting discussion in the House of Assembly.
"These reforms will ensure that civil cases are resolved within 12 to 18 months, while tenancy disputes are expected to conclude between three to six months," he articulated.
Pedro emphasized the government's commitment to preventing the misuse of judicial processes and the use of litigation as a tool for harassment.
"We aim to encourage investment in real estate and strike a balance between the rights of tenants and the interests of investors," he stated.
Additionally, the commissioner announced advancements in access-to-justice initiatives, which include enhancements to the Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, with additional personnel and resources.
He revealed that the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency have been empowered to safeguard vulnerable individuals, especially women and children.
The directorate of public prosecutions will maintain collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure effective prosecution of criminals while upholding the fundamental rights of suspects, Pedro confirmed.
He reiterated the ministry's resolve to pursue continuous reforms that are responsive to the growth in population and evolving demands in justice delivery in Lagos.
In his opening remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Hameed Oyenuga, expressed that the gathering was designed to familiarize judicial correspondents with ongoing initiatives and reforms by the ministry.
Oyenuga affirmed the ministry's dedication to transparency and its collaboration with the media to enhance justice delivery throughout the state.
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