Efficient justice system critical to Lagos economy – AG

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN). Photo: Lagos State Government

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, has described an effective justice system as a form of economic infrastructure, saying the ability to protect property, enforce contracts and resolve disputes efficiently is critical to attracting investment and sustaining economic growth.

Pedro said a justice system that gave citizens, businesses and investors’ confidence in the enforcement of their rights was as important to economic activity as other systems that support commerce.

The Attorney-General spoke last week at the 2026/2027 Legal Year Summit in Lagos, with the theme, “Justice as an Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening the Judiciary for Africa’s Fifth Largest Economy.”

He said the state’s economic ambitions required a justice system capable of responding efficiently to the needs of a growing commercial environment.

“An efficient and accessible justice system is essential to protect property rights, enforce contracts, resolve disputes and provide confidence for citizens, businesses and investors,” Pedro said.

He called for sustained reforms, strategic investment and stronger collaboration among institutions involved in the administration of justice, arguing that the effectiveness of the system would have consequences beyond the courtroom.

Pedro identified judicial infrastructure, human capital development and technology as areas requiring continued investment.

He said the increased use of electronic filing, digital case management and virtual proceedings could help reduce delays while improving access to justice.

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The Attorney-General also urged members of the legal profession to adapt to emerging areas of law being driven by technological and commercial changes.

He specifically identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intellectual property and digital transactions as areas requiring lawyers to develop new expertise while maintaining the core values of the profession.

Pedro also advocated wider use of mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, saying they could provide faster and more cost-effective means of settling disputes.

His argument places dispute resolution at the centre of the relationship between the justice system and the economy, particularly for businesses that require predictable mechanisms for resolving commercial disagreements.

The Attorney-General said responsibility for reform should not rest with the Judiciary alone, calling for closer collaboration among the Judiciary, Executive, Legislature, legal profession, business community and other stakeholders.

He urged participants at the summit to ensure that the discussions produced practical and sustainable reforms rather than remaining at the level of recommendations.

The call came as the Lagos State Judiciary commenced its 2026/2027 legal year, with the summit focusing on the role of the justice system in supporting the state’s economic ambitions. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice confirmed that Pedro delivered the goodwill message at the summit held at The Jewel Aeida, Lekki.