Lagosians may soon breath a sigh of relief as the Lagos state government working towards ensuring that civil cases is concluded within 18 months in the States courts.
The state Attorney General and commissioner for justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, stated this at a news conference in Alausa, Ikeja.
Pedro noted that the move is part of the recommendations from the Implementation Committee Report following the recent Justice Reform Summit, convened earlier this year.
The commissioner 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.
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.
He also mentioned that there is another proposed bill which is seeking to establish a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry, enabling Lagosians to obtain certificates for customary marriages and dissolutions.
