Lagos Seeks To Fast-Track Tenancy Disputes, Proposes Six-Month Resolution Deadline

The Lagos State government has taken a significant step towards speeding up justice delivery with a new bill aimed at reducing the duration of civil and tenancy cases in the state’s courts. The bill, which has been sent to the State House of Assembly for approval, seeks to ensure that civil cases at Magistrate and High Courts are concluded within two years, while tenancy disputes are resolved within six months.

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), disclosed this during a press conference held at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday. The event marked his first year in office and set the stage for the ministry’s upcoming Strategic Stakeholders Meeting.

Pedro explained that the bill is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Justice to reform the legal system and enhance the efficiency of justice delivery. “If passed, the bill will ensure that civil litigation in trial courts does not exceed 18 to 24 months, while tenancy matters will be resolved within three to six months,” he said.

In addition to the bill, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice has introduced several innovations to improve the legal process. These include the establishment of a Criminal Information System to record photographs, biometrics, and case histories of inmates in the state’s correctional centres. Another key innovation is the creation of the *Lis Pendens* Registry, which will serve as a repository for information on land disputes to prevent third-party interests from interfering in ongoing cases and boost investor confidence in real estate.

Pedro emphasized that these initiatives would contribute to Lagos’ economic growth by ensuring faster resolution of legal disputes, which often deter investors. “All these reforms are aimed at facilitating economic development and protecting investors,” he noted.

The reforms stem from recommendations made during the Lagos Justice Reform Summit held in May 2024, which culminated in the formation of an implementation committee. This committee was tasked with developing an action plan to operationalize the proposed changes, particularly focusing on the administration of civil justice to promote economic growth and investment protection.

The new bills also address criminal justice delays, such as legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and slow prosecution processes. Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice is proposing the establishment of a Customary Marriage and Dissolution Registry to allow Lagos residents to obtain certificates for customary marriages and their dissolutions.

The proposed bills, if passed, are expected to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and contribute to the overall growth and stability of Lagos State’s economy.