IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN LAGOS STATE

I concede that since the commencement of the 4th Republic in 1999, the Lagos State Government has worked to improve the administration of justice. 

The Bola Tinubu administration (1999-2007) built a new High Court complex in Lagos and improved the salaries of judges. 

Also a new High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules was adopted in 2004 to enhance the speedy dispensation of civil matters. 

We now have various divisions to handle specialized matters such as Family, Land, Commercial and Criminal etc. 

The Babatunde Fashola administration has continued the overhaul of the justice system with special emphasis on the magistracy. 

Efforts are ongoing to improve the recording system in the courts as well as the welfare of the administrative cadre of the judiciary.

There are other accomplishments but there is still room for further improvement as the goal is for Lagos to be recognized as one of the top financial centers in the world.

First there is need for more Judicial Divisions of the State High Court across the original 22 Local Governments of Lagos State.

This will bring justice closer to the people and avoid the present situation where the Ikeja and Lagos Judicial Divisions serve majority of Lagosians.

Second, there is need to appoint more judges and magistrates to serve the over 15 million estimated population of Lagos State, again to bring justice closer to Lagosians.

Third, more qualified lawyers of non-Yoruba stock including expatriates who are eligible should be appointed to serve as judges and magistrates.

Fourth, the process of filing court processes and payment of filing fees to the Lagos State Judiciary should be made electronicall.

Fifth, Wifi-Internet access should be available in all court premises to allow judicial officers, lawyers and clients to take advantage of online legal resources amongst others.

Sixth, electronic copies of rulings and judgments of judicial officers should be made available for download on subscription basis.

Finally, the privilege given to lawyers of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria to sit at the front of the bar and mention their cases first should be abolished.

In an era of equality before the law and globalization, these privileges paint a picture of privileged access to justice by those with more money.

The above recommendations are not conclusive but can serve as a guide towards improving access to justice thus enabling Lagos to become a the top financial center.