Civil cases to end within 18 months in Lagos, says A-G

“If you get judgment in the Lagos High Court and there’s an appeal which everybody has the right to, and the appeal is stuck for years, what sort of justice is that?” he asked.

The Attorney General said the collaboration would continue until the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, is fully decongested.

On civil justice reform, Pedro revealed that the state had proposed a new Administration of Civil Justice Law currently before the House of Assembly. The bill seeks to streamline procedures and eliminate delays often blamed on procedural loopholes.

“The idea is to ensure cases do not last more than 12 to 18 months in the High Court of Lagos State,” he said, adding that clearer rules and more efficient processes would benefit litigants, lawyers and judges alike.

A major component of the proposed reforms targets tenancy disputes, which the government says have lingered in courts for as long as five years. Under a separate bill awaiting legislative approval, tenancy matters would be concluded within three months, with a maximum duration of six months.

Pedro explained that the three-month benchmark aligns with the constitutional provision granting judges 90 days to deliver judgments after final addresses.

He decried situations where tenants who have defaulted on rent for extended periods institute court actions and use prolonged litigation to delay payment or eviction.

“To approach the court, there must be conditional precedent. A tenant must have paid rent, service charges, and utility bills up to date before filing an action. If you choose to remain in court, you must continue to pay,” he said. 

He stressed that the proposed law would protect  landlords and tenants while preventing abuse of the judicial process.

According to him, prolonged tenancy disputes discourage investment in real estate, as developers who rely on loans face financial strain when tenants default for years.

The Attorney General also highlighted efforts to expand access to justice through the Bureau of Public Defender and the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights.

He disclosed that the state plans to appoint a Permanent Secretary for the Bureau of Public Defender to strengthen its operations and extend services across more divisions of the state.

The ministry, he said, now has about 300 officers across its agencies to meet the demands of Lagos’ growing population.

Pedro further pointed to the work of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which provides shelter and support for survivors while ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in collaboration with the police.

He added that state counsel are stationed at magistrates’ courts to safeguard the rights of suspects, who remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Pedro described the reforms as part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency, protect citizens’ rights and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

“Delayed justice is dangerous to development,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a more responsive and effective judicial system in Lagos State.