Figures cited by Premium Times show that the Lagos State Government has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at ensuring civil cases are concluded within 18 months and tenancy disputes within six months. The state’s Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced these changes during a press briefing, highlighting the deployment of a new “criminal information system” capable of tracking defendants across all courts. These measures are designed to eliminate the perennial issue of case backlogs that have long plagued the state’s legal system.
The reforms also focus heavily on reducing prison congestion through non-custodial sentencing, inmate profiling, and an expanded plea-bargain process. For the first time, the state is implementing a robust witness protection and support law to encourage citizens to participate in the criminal justice process without fear of retaliation. The Ministry of Justice believes these institutional shifts will significantly improve the “Ease of Doing Business” in Lagos by providing a more predictable legal environment for investors.
In support of these claims, The Guardian reports that legal practitioners in Lagos have expressed cautious optimism about the timelines, with one senior lawyer stating, “The focus on technology is the only way to clear the thousands of pending cases in our registries.” Additionally, Vanguard highlights the government’s collaboration with the judiciary, quoting a state official who affirmed, “Lagos is setting a template for judicial speed that the rest of the federation must follow.”
Echotitbits take:
Lagos is acting as a laboratory for judicial reform in Nigeria. If the 18-month civil case cap holds true, it could spark a massive influx of foreign direct investment, as legal delays are a top deterrent for businesses. The real test will be the consistency of the “forensic measures” and technology infrastructure under pressure.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-judiciary-expands-access-to-justice-with-enhanced-virtual-court-hearing-system/ February 11, 2026
Photo credit: The Guardian
