Lagos State Launches Major Reforms to Speed Up Justice Delivery
Lagos, February 11, 2026 – The Lagos State Government has unveiled wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening the criminal and civil justice systems in the state, reducing case backlogs, and improving access to justice for residents.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, spoke with judicial correspondents on Tuesday, explaining that the reforms are designed to ensure civil cases are concluded within 12 to 18 months, while tenancy disputes would be resolved in three to six months.
Pedro highlighted several measures under the reforms, including the deployment of a criminal information system capable of tracking defendants across all state courts. The state has also introduced forensic measures, inmate profiling, plea bargaining, and non-custodial sentencing to address prison congestion.
“The plea-bargaining process and the prerogative of mercy have significantly reduced the number of awaiting-trial inmates,” Pedro said. He also noted that Lagos has enacted a witness protection and support law to make criminal justice faster, more efficient, and fairer.
On civil justice, the ministry, in collaboration with the judiciary, has taken steps to reduce delays in appeals and other civil cases. Reforms under the Administration of Civil Justice Law, currently before the House of Assembly, aim to streamline court processes and prevent abuse of the system. Pedro emphasized that the measures would also encourage real estate investment by balancing tenant rights with investor interests.
The state has strengthened access-to-justice institutions, including the Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, with increased staffing and resources. Agencies protecting vulnerable groups, such as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, have also been empowered.
Pedro reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continuous reforms to meet the growing demands of Lagos’ population and ensure equitable justice delivery.
Earlier, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary Hameed Oyenuga said the briefing aimed to inform judicial correspondents about the ministry’s initiatives and strengthen collaboration with the media in advancing justice across the state.
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