The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has pledged continuous reforms to strengthen the rule of law and enhance access to justice in the State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to mark his second anniversary in office, Pedro said the ministry had made significant progress in the areas of justice delivery, revenue recovery, criminal prosecution, and staff welfare.
He noted that under his leadership, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) now enjoy faster legal advisory services and improved contract processing, while prosecution and defence of cases on behalf of the State have become more efficient.
Pedro cited the Supreme Court judgment affirming that lotteries and games of chance fall under the residual jurisdiction of states as a major constitutional victory for Lagos.
He disclosed that, despite the ruling, the National Assembly had passed a Central Gaming Bill, prompting the State Government to commence contempt proceedings against the legislature for violating the apex court’s order.
In criminal justice administration, Pedro highlighted the conviction of Andrew Nice in the BRT rape and murder case of Miss Bamise as proof of the ministry’s commitment to pursuing justice without fear or favour.
He said 361 plea bargain applications were processed within two years, while 263 inmates benefited from the Governor’s prerogative of mercy.
The ministry’s Restorative Justice Unit, he added, handled 348 cases, with 192 resolved amicably.
On fiscal governance, the Attorney General said the establishment of Revenue Courts and a Revenue Recovery Unit had yielded results, with one commercial bank paying N1.5 billion in outstanding taxes.
He urged residents and businesses to settle their tax obligations promptly to support the State’s developmental efforts.
Pedro also announced the sponsorship of key legislative reforms, including the review of the Tenancy Law, the Registration of Marriages and Dissolution Bill, and the Administration of Civil Justice Bill—all aimed at improving property rights, business confidence, and speedy dispensation of justice.
In the area of criminal information management, he said the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS) had captured 78,982 cases as of September 2025, enhancing transparency and planning within the justice system.
The ministry also facilitated the acquisition of two coaster buses for inmate conveyance and revitalised the Community Service Unit, under which 4,800 offenders served non-custodial sentences.
Pedro further noted progress in safeguarding property rights through the signing of over 1,500 land documents and the intensified operations of the Anti-Land Grabbing Taskforce, which treated 982 petitions in two years.
The reactivated Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking also rescued and rehabilitated victims of cross-border exploitation.
The Attorney General attributed the ministry’s successes to the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the dedication of staff, noting that welfare initiatives such as staff retreats, new official buses, upgraded offices, and accommodation for counsel had improved morale.
Pedro reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining reforms anchored on integrity, innovation, and impact, stressing that justice in Lagos “is not an abstract ideal but a living reality shaping governance and protecting rights.”
