Lagos State, with a staggering population of over 20 million people, stands as Nigeria’s most bustling and ethnically diverse hub. Governing such a cosmopolitan megacity naturally comes with immense pressure, particularly in the administration of justice. From minor civil disputes to complex capital offenses, the legal machinery must be resilient. The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN affectionately known by colleagues as “Peddy” opened up about his vision and the progress made under his leadership.
When he first stepped into the role, Mr. Pedro anchored his agenda on the “PEDDY” pillars: promoting the rule of law, enforcement of regulations, decongestion of correctional facilities, delivery of quality justice, and youth engagement. Recognizing that Lagos is the commercial heartbeat of West Africa, he initiated the Lagos Justice Sector Reform Summit. This was not just a talk shop; it led to the creation of a dedicated committee that is now actively slashing the time it takes to conclude civil cases from several years down to a target of 12 to 18 months.
One of the most modern tools in the state’s arsenal is the Lagos State Criminal Information System (LSCIS). This allows for real-time tracking of every inmate and case, ensuring no one is “lost” in the system. The Ministry is also pushing for a landmark update to the Tenancy Law. The goal is to create a balance where investors feel safe building homes while ensuring tenants have clear rights, with disputes settled in court within three to six months.
The shadow of the 2020 #EndSARS protests still lingers, particularly regarding the destruction of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, which had cost over $7 million and met high European standards. Mr. Pedro revealed to Reports that while the main facility is undergoing a phased restoration, the government has refused to let forensic investigations stall. They have cleverly repurposed the facility’s canteen into a temporary lab to handle sample collections and minor forensic tasks, ensuring the wheels of criminal prosecution keep turning.
Technology has also permeated the courtroom. E-filing and virtual hearings are no longer futuristic concepts in Lagos; they are the current reality. The Directorate of Public Prosecution has been filing processes electronically for four years, and plans are now underway to build specialized virtual hearing rooms within the Ministry itself. This digital shift even extends to the public’s right to know, as nearly 70 state laws have been translated into the Yoruba language to deepen legal literacy among residents.
Addressing the sensitive issue of recent property demolitions in areas like Makoko, the Attorney-General was firm yet empathetic. He explained that while these actions often draw emotional responses, they are driven by public safety and legality. Many of the removed structures were dangerously positioned under high-tension power lines or on drainage alignments, posing a threat to the inhabitants and the environment. He emphasized that the government prioritizes the rule of law over sentiment, noting that compensation isn’t legally required for illegal structures, though Governor Sanwo-Olu has provided financial assistance to some affected families on compassionate grounds.
On the security front, Lagos has maintained its unique path. Rather than joining the regional Àmòtèkun initiative, the state relies on its established Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, which is tailored for urban intelligence-gathering. Mr. Pedro also reiterated that open grazing is strictly prohibited in the state to maintain order and public safety.
The Ministry’s workload is undeniably massive. Last year alone, the state filed over 4,400 criminal cases and secured over 1,400 judgments, covering everything from kidnapping to police brutality. Through it all, the Attorney-General remains focused on making justice a right for the common man through the Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens Mediation Centre, ensuring that in the middle of the chaos of a megacity, the law remains a steadying hand.
