The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has reflected on his two years in office, describing the period as both “challenging and rewarding,” with significant reforms achieved across civil and criminal justice administration in the state.
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Pedro, who was appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2023, said his focus since assuming office had been on improving access to justice, enhancing fiscal governance, and strengthening the efficiency of legal services in ministries and agencies.
“We have repositioned the Ministry of Justice to meet the growing legal and regulatory needs of Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre,” he said. “The achievements so far give confidence that we are moving in the right direction.”
Speaking on the state’s ongoing legal battle with the National Assembly, Pedro explained that Lagos went to court to challenge the proposed Central Gaming Bill passed by the House of Representatives.
According to him, the Bill contradicts a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed lotteries and gaming as residual matters under state control.
“That judgment gave states the power to regulate and generate revenue from gaming activities,” Pedro said. “We cannot stand by while that constitutional right is eroded. This case is not about confrontation but defending the Constitution and fiscal federalism.”
Pedro said the state had made major progress in strengthening revenue collection through the establishment of Revenue Courts and a dedicated Recovery Unit.
He noted that the initiative had resulted in settlements and payments from defaulting firms, including a commercial bank that recently paid ₦1.5 billion in outstanding taxes.
“Our approach is firm but fair,” he said. “We are not targeting businesses; we are simply ensuring that revenue due to Lagos is collected to fund public services.”
The Attorney-General listed several bills currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly, including:
- The Tenancy Bill, which seeks to simplify landlord–tenant disputes and limit arrears.
- The Registration of Marriages Bill, to officially register customary, Islamic, and Christian marriages.
- The Administration of Civil Justice Bill, aimed at reducing case delays through case management and document-based trials.
“These laws will make Lagos a more predictable and business-friendly environment,” he said.
Pedro disclosed that 314 plea bargain applications had been approved in the last two years, reducing congestion in correctional centres.
He added that Governor Sanwo-Olu, on the Ministry’s recommendation, granted mercy to 263 inmates who had served long terms and shown signs of reform.
The Ministry also established a Restorative Justice Unit, which has resolved 192 of 348 cases through reconciliation and restitution.
In addition, the Lagos Criminal Information System now contains biometric data of over 79,000 defendants, including those in EFCC-related cases, to enhance transparency in justice administration.
On property matters, Pedro said the Ministry had issued over 1,500 land transaction consents and handled nearly 1,000 land grabbing petitions.
“Lagos has zero tolerance for land grabbing. Self-help and forceful takeovers will not be tolerated,” he emphasized.
Pedro noted that the Lagos Task Force Against Human Trafficking had been revived and was working closely with NAPTIP and security agencies. Recently, seven victims trafficked to Ghana were rescued and rehabilitated.
He also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, including new buses for court duties, a new elevator, accommodation for state counsel, and upgraded agencies to Bureau status for better career advancement.
“The future of justice in Lagos is about integrity, innovation, and impact,” Pedro said. “We will continue to deepen reforms, build public trust, and strengthen the justice system so that Lagos remains a model for others.”
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