By Felix Kuyinu
The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has revealed that the fast approaching Lagos State Justice Reform Summit is targeted at addressing the pressing challenges facing the judicial system.
Pedro stated this on Monday during a news conference to highlight the two-day forum scheduled to be held on May 27, 28 in Lagos.
The Attorney, remarking Lagos as Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub, said that the state has continued to experience significant development. However, he bemoaned the occurrence of challenges ranging from civil, commercial criminal justice and legal Issues which demands a modern and responsive judicial system which will ensure there is access to justice alongside ensuring that the fundermental human rights alongside protection of property and investments of the residents are actualized.
Pedro hinted that the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration understands that a good judicial system is expected to be fair, transparent, and accountable as that will inspire trust in citizens and stakeholders in the state.
“The link between a robust justice system, economic growth, societal wellbeing, and community stability is profound,” Pedro said.
“Therefore, the protracted nature of litigations and the inefficient enforcement of law and order in the state are no longer acceptable.
“To tackle these issues, the government, through the Ministry of Justice, is organizing a Justice Reform Summit with the theme: “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Economic Growth, Investment Protection, and Security in Lagos State”, with the aim of gathering stakeholders to address challenges, propose solutions, and highlight the role of a fair and efficient justice system in attracting investments.
He said further, “The event will feature judges, scholars, the Nigerian Bar Association, police, correctional officers, lawmakers, private sector representatives, and others. We will engage in constructive dialogue to evaluate our past, assess our present, and chart a course for the future.
“The opening ceremony will include addresses from esteemed jurists like the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Governor of Lagos State. We expect keynote speakers from Singapore and Rwanda. The first session will focus on civil justice administration, addressing issues like delayed justice and case management.
“On the second day, discussions will cover law enforcement for sustainable growth, the rule of law, ease of doing business, and alternative dispute resolution. Subsequent sessions will delve into criminal justice administration, technology integration, and safeguarding property rights. The final session will discuss property rights and investment protection, land documentation and registration, combating land grabbers, tenancy matters, and physical planning,” he explained.
The Attorney listed the Summit’s objectives to include addressing inadequate enforcement of laws, highlighting the justice system’s role in attracting investments, appraising the causes and consequences of delays in the justice system, exploring innovative strategies to expedite legal processes, fostering collaboration among justice sector stakeholders, and rebuilding public and investor confidence in the administration of justice.
Pedro then urged all stakeholders to engage actively and contribute to this collective effort, saying members of the public who have had any contact with the justice system and wished to share their experiences, observations, and recommendations for a better justice system could reach the ministry through the Summit email at info@lagosstatemoj.org, or through our social media handles Facebook, Instagram and X @Lagos MOJ, while interested members of the public could attend the Summit virtually via Zoom.
“I firmly believe that together, we can build a more just, efficient, and effective justice system that will make Lagos State and Nigeria more secure and environmentally friendly for businesses to prosper, leaving a lasting legacy of access to justice for all,” the CJ concluded.
