By Adebola Lema

The newly completed Commercial Court House on Tapa Street, Lagos Island, stands as a seven‑storey symbol of Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to efficient, investor‑friendly justice. Designed, built and funded entirely by the Lagos State Judiciary, this purpose‑built edifice ushers in a fresh chapter for commercial dispute resolution in Nigeria’s economic capital.

A Brief Historical Journey

  • 2009 — Demolition of the Igbosere Magistrate Court: Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, approved the demolition of the historic—but dilapidated—Magistrate Court at Igbosere to pave the way for a modern complex.
  • Interim Years on Tapa Street: To prevent a justice vacuum, the Judiciary erected a temporary “container court” on the present site. After the new Igbosere Magistrate Court opened, the makeshift structure became a storage yard for properties recovered through court executions.
  • 2020 — #EndSARS Arson: On 22 October 2020, violent protests engulfed Lagos. Several court houses, police stations and correctional centres—including the newly rebuilt Igbosere complex—were razed. Judges were forced to improvise, holding proceedings in converted jetties (Osborne), satellite courts at Yaba and Alausa, and even sharing a single courtroom.
  • 2023 — Rebuild Lagos Initiative: Rebuild Lagos Limited by Guarantee undertook to reconstruct the burnt Igbosere High Court in phases while simultaneously financing a state‑of‑the‑art Commercial Court House on Tapa Street.
  • 2025 — Commissioning of the Commercial Court House: Governor Sanwo‑Olu formally opened the building on 15 April 2025, bringing the era of “shared‑court syndrome” to a dignified close.

Architectural & Functional Highlights

  • Seven floors with two courtrooms per floor—a total of ten modern courtrooms.
  • Three elevators and three stairwells ensure smooth circulation and fire safety.
  • Dedicated registries and libraries on every floor, plus well‑equipped offices for Sheriffs, Bailiffs and support staff.
  • Four restrooms per floor and comfortable waiting areas for counsel and litigants.
  • Marked car park—smaller than the former Igbosere facility but efficiently laid out.

Judges Already Assigned

  • Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro
  • Hon. Justice O. O. Jose
  • Hon. Justice A. O. Olukolu
  • Hon. Justice Ipaye‑Nwachukwu
  • Hon. Justice Lateefat Okunnu
  • Hon. Justice M. A. Sunmonu
  • Hon. Justice Anjorin‑Ajose

Counsel are advised to verify the exact courtroom postings as sittings commence Monday, 19 May 2025.

Neighbourhood Landmarks & Vistas

From its lofty windows one can glimpse:

  • Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the historic Tapa burial ground.
  • Iconic commercial towers along Broad Street and Marina—NITEL Building, Eleganza House, Sterling Bank HQ, Bank of Industry, Western House and LAPAL House.
  • Essential state agencies: LASTMA, the Licensing Authority and LAWMA on Olowu Street, plus the new Massey Children’s Hospital.

Why This Matters

“Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The Commercial Court House restores full judicial capacity after five turbulent years. By granting every commercial‑division judge an independent, technology‑ready courtroom, Lagos sends a powerful message to investors: contracts will be enforced swiftly and transparently.

Looking Ahead

Phase I of the rebuilt High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere—faithfully preserving the façade of the historic court—is scheduled for completion by 2027. Together with the new Commercial Court House, these projects will anchor a rejuvenated judicial district on Lagos Island.

An Ode to Collaboration

This milestone belongs to:

  • Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo‑Olu—for steadfast political will;
  • Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Chief Judge of Lagos State—whose vision steered the project;
  • Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, Honourable Attorney‑General—whose advocacy secured funding;
  • The resilient judiciary staff who kept the wheels of justice turning in borrowed spaces.

Conclusion

From the ashes of adversity has risen a beacon of hope. The Lagos State Judiciary Commercial Court House is more than brick and mortar; it is a tangible pledge that the rule of law will always outlast the forces that assail it. May every judgement delivered within its walls strengthen public confidence, attract global commerce and remind future generations that Lagos builds back—better, bolder, and fairer.

By Adebola Lema, Former Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch
16 May 2025

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