*Introduces Lis Pendens Registry to Protect Real Estate Investors from Land Disputes
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Idrinstitute.jpg")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/School-of-Alternative-Dispute-Resolution-SADR-1.jpg")
The Lagos State Government said on Monday that it has forwarded a bill to the State House of Assembly aimed at reducing the duration of litigation in trial courts.
This was disclosed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, during a news conference in Alausa, Ikeja.
He noted that the move is part of the recommendations from the Implementation Committee Report following the recent Justice Reform Summit, convened earlier this year.
Pedro explained that if the Administration of Civil Justice Law is enacted, it would ensure that litigation in trial courts is completed within 18 to 24 months, while tenancy disputes would be resolved within three to six months.
“One of the foremost areas of focus for the committee was the Administration of Civil Justice for Economic Growth and Investment Protection. Recognising that delays in justice delivery can significantly hinder economic progress, the committee emphasized the necessity of reducing the time for conclusion of cases in the Magistrate and High Courts,” Pedro said.
“To this end, a Bill for the enactment of the Administration of Civil Justice Law has been forwarded to the House of Assembly for the legislative process. If the Bill is passed into Law, it is expected that litigation in trial courts should not last more than 18 to 24 months, and tenancy matters between 3 to 6 months.”
He further noted that delays in legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and prosecution in the Criminal Justice System had been addressed.
Additionally, he said the Lagos State Criminal Information System has been established to capture photographs, biometric data, and details of all inmates in the state’s correctional centres.
Pedro also highlighted other innovations, including a bill for the establishment of a Lis Pendens Registry.
“The Registry aims to serve as a repository of information on land disputes in our courts to prevent the purchase of land involved in litigation by unsuspecting buyers. This initiative will not only reduce third-party interests in ongoing court cases but also enhance confidence in real estate investments within the State,” Pedro explained.
Pedro and other top government functionaries at the event
Another proposed bill seeks to establish a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, enabling Lagosians to obtain certificates for customary marriages and dissolutions.
The commissioner also discussed the upcoming Strategic Stakeholders Meeting, scheduled for October 23rd and 24th, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.
Themed “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Justice Delivery,” the meeting will focus on improving inter-agency collaboration to enforce laws more effectively across the state.
“This gathering is a direct response to insights gained from the Lagos Justice Summit held in May, where stakeholders identified the need for enhanced cooperation within the justice system. One of the Summit’s primary recommendations was to convene this strategic meeting to elevate the standards of justice and ensure that justice is not merely an ideal but a tangible reality for all Lagosians,” Pedro noted.
Day one of the meeting will address Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice, with keynote speaker to be delivered by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (Rtd), alongside discussants from agencies including the DPP, EFCC, ICPC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service. Day two will focus on Land and Environmental Matters, with participation from various government bodies like the Lands Bureau and the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Pedro also mentioned that the final session would explore Chieftaincy Matters and the future of Local Government Administration, with the Oba of Lagos or his representative delivering the keynote address.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Ministry, Pedro said, “Over the past year, our focus has been steadfast: to ensure that justice is accessible to all Lagosians, regardless of socio-economic status. In alignment with the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS agenda of Mr. Governor, our mission has been to cultivate a legal environment that upholds the rule of law, protects human rights, and provides easy access to justice.”
He also highlighted the significant strides made in enhancing access to legal services, streamlining prosecution processes, and supporting vulnerable citizens.
Nominations Open For Legal Leaders Awards 2025, Celebrating Excellence In Istanbul ![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Legal-Leaders-Awards.jpg")
______________________________________________________________________ 
"ELECTION MATTERS CASE DIGEST" by Dr. Akin Olawale Oluwadayisi and Moses DUKU Price: ₦20,000 or $15 per copy Contact Information: - Email: benakollegalclassics@gmail.com - WhatsApp only: 07038211889 - Voice Call – Mobile: 070-65830466; 234-7038-2118-89
