LAGOS PAC: COMMITTED TO OFFERING FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO RESIDENTS
The Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Public Advice Centre (PAC), is committed to providing easy access to information for residents seeking to know their rights and responsibilities while offering free legal advice on infringement cases in tandem with the State Government T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda on security and governance.
This statement was disclosed by the Director of the Centre, Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo during a chat with the media team in her office recently.
Mrs. Husseina Akinnawo stated that the Centre is an intermediary between the State Government and the grassroots who require enlightenment on the policies of the State Government.
According to her, PAC also serves as a First Port of Call for residents in distress and a Directory for those who need information on where to seek recourse or help in cases of infringement by way of referral to relevant government institutions in accordance with the extant Laws of Lagos State.
“The Centre is modelled according to the United Kingdom Citizens Advice Bureau now called Citizens Advice which resolves issues on limitless range of subjects”, she said.
The Director further disclosed that the PAC has treated over 3 million cases and recorded notable milestones since inception in 2008. In the last one year, the PAC has attended to 8,987 cases ranging from free legal advice and referred cases from tenancy matters to debt recovery, domestic violence, consumer advisory services, violation of human rights violation, Social Exclusion and environmental related issues to mention but a few that are on its mandate which has helped to ensure access to justice and maintenance of stability in the society through the promotion of legal awareness.
“To ensure that residents in the State take advantage of the services the State Government provides, the Centre plans to embark on more sensitizaition campaigns, using both digital and traditional methods, while planning to open Sub-Offices in the 4 divisions of Lagos State which will expand to the 20 Local Government Areas of the State and the 37 LCDAs for more residents to benefit” she added.
