Lagos State is implementing legal and technological changes to reduce court delays, particularly in long-running tenancy disputes, and improve compliance with the law.
Speaking at a media briefing with Judiciary Correspondents at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Ikeja, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, outlined plans to reform how tenancy and civil disputes are handled.
Pedro highlighted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s concern over tenants remaining in properties without paying rent for years due to lengthy court cases. “A new bill before the House of Assembly aims to cap tenancy cases at six months. Courts will no longer serve as a shield for non-payment. Tenants may need to prove utility bills and service charges have been settled, ensuring a fair balance for both investors and occupants”, he said.
He also introduced the Lagos State Criminal Information System, a digital platform tracking every defendant across correctional centres and courts. “Lagos is the only state with this system. We have biometric data for all inmates, whether awaiting trial or convicted, which ensures no defendant goes missing”, Pedro explained.
To reduce prison congestion, the state has expanded plea bargaining, reviewed cases for release of inmates who have served at least 70% of their sentence and shown reform, and introduced laws to protect witnesses and speed up prosecutions.
Collaboration with the Court of Appeal has allowed the Lagos Division to handle 400 appeals in a single week, cutting delays that can affect High Court judgments.
Access to justice is also being improved through specialised agencies: the Bureau of Public Defender (BPD), offering free legal aid, the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), managing out-of-court settlements, and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), supporting survivors while prosecuting offenders.
