The Lagos State Government says it has intensified efforts to strengthen justice administration through significant investments in forensic infrastructure, correctional facilities, courts, and citizens’ rights protection mechanisms.
Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term.
He highlighted the construction of a new demilitarised warehouse at Majidun in 2025 for the secure storage of exhibits, confiscated items, and properties under judicial custody.
“Prior to this facility, the management and preservation of exhibits posed serious operational and security challenges,” he said. “We now have a dedicated warehouse where all exhibits and confiscated properties are properly preserved, documented, and secured. This has greatly improved accountability in the justice system.”
The commissioner also revealed that the state is working to restore forensic services disrupted during the EndSARS unrest, which led to the destruction of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre.
He described the centre as critical to criminal investigations and justice delivery, noting that its destruction caused a major setback to law enforcement and prosecution. The full reconstruction is estimated to cost about $10 million.
Pending the rebuilding of the main facility, the ministry has converted and renovated an existing canteen into a temporary forensic centre to sustain operations.
On correctional services, Pedro said the state procured two purpose-built Toyota Coaster buses for the Nigerian Correctional Service to address the challenge of transporting inmates to court, which had often delayed trials.
The government has also undertaken extensive renovation of maximum, medium, and other custodial facilities to ease congestion.
In addition, the state is constructing and renovating magistrate and high courts in various communities to bring justice closer to the people and reduce travel burdens on residents.
The Ministry of Justice library is being upgraded into a modern law resource and training centre to enhance capacity building for justice sector personnel.
On institutional reforms, the attorney-general noted that the state approved structural changes within the Ministry of Justice to improve career progression and staff welfare. This led to the upgrade of some agencies and the appointment of permanent secretaries for the Office of the Public Defender and the Citizens’ Engagement Office.
Pedro said the ministry has continued to promote law and order through measures aimed at regulating public protests and protecting public infrastructure. He recalled that violent protests had previously led to widespread destruction of public and private assets.
The commissioner also highlighted the achievements of the Special Offences Mobile Courts, which prosecuted 15,342 cases between January 2023 and March 2026, generating over N155 million in revenue.
He added that the Citizens’ Mediation Bureau received 117,375 cases within the same period, successfully resolving 49,189 disputes and facilitating the recovery of about N1.4 billion for parties.
“The Mediation Bureau has strengthened alternative dispute resolution and improved access to justice by keeping many matters out of formal courts,” he said.
Pedro reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice, and creating a conducive environment for businesses and residents in Lagos.
