Lagos Tenancy Cases to Be Resolved Within Six Months Under New Reforms

• Lagos Tenancy Cases to Be Resolved Within Six Months Under New Reforms
• Unveils Digital Reforms, Legal Innovations to Speed Justice
• The Attorney General also discussed measures to decongest prisons

The Lagos State Government has announced sweeping legal and technological reforms aimed at ending prolonged court delays, particularly tenancy disputes that can linger for up to five years, while promoting faster, voluntary compliance with the law, Eko Hot Blog reports.

Speaking at a media briefing with Judiciary Correspondents at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, revealed that the state is revolutionising how tenancy and civil disputes are handled.

EDITOR’S PICK

• ‎Court Sends Motorist to Jail Over Traffic Violation on Lagos–Ibadan Highway
• Capital Importation Rises to $21bn as Nigeria Records Trade Surplus
• Sanwo-Olu Supports Military Widows, Veterans with Rice, Cash, Education Aid

“Mr Governor is not happy that a tenant can remain in a property for years without paying rent just because the matter is in court,” Pedro said. “A new bill currently before the House of Assembly aims to cap these cases at a maximum of six months. Under the proposed law, the court will no longer be a shield for non-payment. Tenants may be required to prove they have settled utility bills and service charges before being heard, ensuring a win-win for both investors and occupants.”

In a national first, Pedro highlighted the Lagos State Criminal Information System, a biometric database that tracks every defendant across correctional centres and courts. He explained that the system eliminates cases of missing defendants and ensures anyone entering the court system is instantly identifiable.

The Attorney General also discussed measures to decongest prisons, including expanding plea-bargaining to encourage faster resolutions, reviewing cases for early release of inmates who have served 70 per cent of their sentences, and introducing laws to protect witnesses and speed prosecutions.

Collaboration with the Court of Appeal has already yielded results, with the Lagos Division successfully handling 400 appeals within a single week, ensuring High Court judgments are not undermined by appellate delays.

Pedro further outlined specialised legal bureaus aimed at improving access to justice: the Bureau of Public Defender (BPD) providing free legal aid for civil and criminal claims; the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) handling out-of-court settlements; and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), which ensures survivors are protected and perpetrators prosecuted.

“Our goal is voluntary compliance. It is cheaper, safer, and makes everyone happier. We are building a system where justice is fast, efficient, and effective for every Lagosian,” Pedro concluded.