Lagos State Ministry of Justice

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Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS AG CONFERRED HONORARY MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY FOR NOTARIES PUBLIC, COMMITS TO STRENGTHENING NOTARIAL PRACTICE.

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The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, has been conferred as an honorary executive member of the Society for Notaries Public, recognizing his commitment to advancing notarial practice in Nigeria. Lawal Pedro was conferred during a courtesy visit by a delegation from The Society of Notaries Public led by Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan on Tuesday, 4th of March, 2025 at the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Justice, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. During the visit, He commended the organization’s efforts in enhancing governance and professional standards in notarial services. Pedro emphasized the crucial role of notaries in ensuring the authenticity and credibility of legal documents, drawing from best practices in jurisdictions like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, where notarial services significantly reduce fraud. Acknowledging the Society’s diverse and distinguished membership, the A.G pledged full support for initiatives that strengthen notarial practice in Lagos State and Nigeria. He reiterated his office’s commitment to fair, efficient, and accessible justice administration and welcomed further collaboration with the Society to elevate Nigeria’s notarial standards to international levels. Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, expressed gratitude for the honorary membership and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Society. Speaking earlier at the visit, President and Master of Notaries, Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan, restated the critical role of notaries in ensuring the integrity of legal documents, reducing fraud, and enhancing governance. She stated that since the formation of the Society for Notaries Public, it has been at the forefront of professionalizing notarial services in Nigeria, particularly with the introduction of digital notarization under the Notaries Public Act, 2023. “The new law enables notaries to authenticate documents electronically, conduct remote notarizations, and use digital seals and signatures; aligning Nigeria’s notarial system with global best practices”, Allan said. Chief Allan further explained that The Society is collaborating with the Supreme Court and technology partners to implement new regulations, eliminate quackery, and enhance notarial services while noting that discussions with foreign embassies are also ongoing to secure international recognition of Nigerian notaries. The President also sought the Ministry’s support for two things which includes; Mandatory Notarization of Jurat Witnessing in Registrable Deeds; and Integration of Remote Notarization with Justice IT Infrastructure. In her words; “i wish to recognize the giant strides you and your team in the Ministry are making to ensure that our justice system is strengthened for a better environment. Your support and encouragement are invaluable as we embark on a new chapter in the advancement of the notanai profession in Nigeria” Allan stated. Delivering the vote of thanks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, extended sincere gratitude to the Hon. Attorney-General for warmly receiving the Society and for his commitment to strengthening notarial practice in Lagos State and Nigeria. He also commended The Society’s efforts in promoting excellence and advocating for reforms in notarial services. “The Ministry values this collaboration and looks forward to working together to elevate standards in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole”, Oyenuga said.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ: OTCI CONDUCTS TRAINING ON SPADEV FORM COMPLETION.

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In a bid to enhance efficiency and ensure accurate data reporting, a team from the Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI) visited the Ministry of Justice on Thursday, 13th February, 2025 to monitor and train officers on the proper completion of the State Performance and Development (SPADEV) form at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja. Speaking during his welcome address, Director, Admin & Human Resources, MoJ, Mr. Adebayo Osinaike, stated that the SPADEV form serves as a critical tool for assessing and tracking the performance of state ministries, departments and agencies; ensuring transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery. “This training will help improve our reporting standards and ensure that our submissions reflect the true impact of our work,” he stated. During the session, Director Reforms, OTCI; Mr. Otunuyi, provided a comprehensive overview of the SPADEV framework, highlighting common challenges faced in form completion and offering practical solutions. Directors and Heads of Unit, were engaged in interactive discussions to reinforce their understanding. The team also conducted a monitoring exercise to assess current reporting practices and identify areas requiring improvement. Speaking at the training, Mr. Okedara Olusegun, a representative from OTCI, emphasized the importance of accurate documentation and data entry. “The SPADEV form plays a crucial role in evaluating government performance. Properly completing it ensures that decision-makers have reliable information to drive policy improvements and better service delivery to the public,” he stated. The OTCI team reaffirmed its dedication to supporting government ministries and agencies in improving performance tracking mechanisms and ensuring compliance with best practices. Further engagements and follow-up monitoring activities are expected to sustain the momentum of this initiative. Officers in the State Ministry of Justice, expressed their appreciation for the training, noting that it provided a much needed clarity and practical guidance on data reporting procedures.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS AG RECEIVE NLC, FIDA DELEGATIONS

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The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, on Thursday, received delegations from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on separate courtesy visits at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja. Leading the NLC delegation, the Chairperson of the Lagos Chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi, engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening the working relationship between the State Ministry of Justice and the NLC, particularly in addressing legal matters and ensuring compliance with law and order among affiliate unions. In his remarks, Mr. Pedro emphasized the Lagos State Government’s commitment to workers’ welfare under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He highlighted the successful implementation of the new minimum wage, which surpasses that of other states, as well as the introduction of a remote work program designed to cushion the effect of the harsh economic challenges in the workforce. Pedro further explained that innovation remains a key pillar of the administration, with significant advancements in transportation, road infrastructure, and other development initiatives. Similarly, the Attorney General welcomed the FIDA delegation, led by Barrister Veronica Eze, who visited to brief him on the upcoming FIDA Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue scheduled for February 27-28 in Lagos. The event aims to facilitate discussions on critical issues surrounding gender-based violence and explore effective strategies to combat the menace in the state. The AG reiterated Lagos State’s proactive stance in addressing domestic and sexual violence, noting that the state remains ahead of others in its legislative and policy efforts. He disclosed that a bill proposing amendments to the Lagos State Domestic Violence Law is currently under consideration, reinforcing the state’s commitment to providing stronger legal frameworks for the protection of vulnerable groups. He further expressed optimism that Lagos would continue to serve as a model for other states in the fight against gender-based violence and the pursuit of justice and good governance.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS MOJ ORGANIZES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS

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In an effort to enhance the capacity and professional skills of junior officers, the State Ministry of Justice on Tuesday commenced a two-day workshop themed “Empowering the Backbone of the Ministry for Enhanced Productivity and Service Delivery” at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI, Ikeja, Lagos. Delivering his remark at the Opening Ceremony,the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, noted that this event marks the first time in several years that the ministry is hosting a workshop of this nature, underscoring its unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering its invaluable human resources. “This workshop will provide a unique platform for reflection, learning, and collaboration. It is not only aimed at equipping officers with practical skills but also fostering unity and enhancing the collective efficiency of our team,” Pedro stated. Mr Perdro commended the junior officers, acknowledging them as the backbone of the ministry. He praised their dedication, resilience and vital contributions, emphasizing the importance of empowering and celebrating them. He further underscored the critical role of junior officers in achieving the Ministry’s mandate and urged participants to continue demonstrating diligence and resilience in their respective duties. Earlier in his welcome address, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, highlighted the pivotal role junior officers play in the success of the Ministry. “These officers provide essential support that enables the efficient functioning of administrative, logistical, and operational processes in the ministry. Their contributions are indispensable to the overall effectiveness and success of the Ministry as a whole”. Oyenuga further emphasized the need for efficiency and professionalism, stressing that the workshop has been designed to address the unique challenges faced by these officers. He highlighted that the workshop would equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to enhance their productivity, ensuring they are better prepared to fulfill their roles and contribute meaningfully to the Ministry’s objectives. The workshop kicked off with presentations on Public Service Rules and Applications, Road Safety, Professional Conduct and Vehicle Maintenance, Workplace Hygiene, Safety and Effective Cleaning Practices, Record Management and Office Administration by Director Establishments, Ministry of Establishment & Training, Mrs. Olagbaju Bukola; Deputy Director Lagos Drivers Institute, Mr. Bajulaiye Nurudeen Babajide; Deputy Director, A&HR, PSO, Mrs. Amina Yeside Hamza; Mrs Abiuwa Adenike, and a host of other facilitators to deliver Paper presentations on Health Matters , Data Protection, Personal and Professional Development, and Effective Communication and Conflict Resolutions in the workplace. The workshop, scheduled to end on Wednesday will equip participants with requisite skills, knowledge and Technical know-how in building and enhancing professional skills and productivity.

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PRESS RELEASE: OYENUGA INDUCTED AS A LASTMA SPECIAL TRAFFIC MAYOR

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The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Oyenuga Hameed has been inducted into the esteemed corps of Mayors of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority as a LASTMA Special Traffic Mayor on Thursday 16th January, 2025 at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Justice, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. The presentation, which was led by the Director of Traffic Advocacy and Special Traffic Mayor, Mr. Awoyemi Jimmy, stated that the induction was a directive from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, aimed at fostering stronger partnerships to improve traffic management across Lagos. The Solicitor General expressed gratitude for his induction as a Special Traffic Mayor of LASTMA. He pledged to support the agency in easing traffic congestion across Lagos, highlighting its importance to the State’s economic growth. Oyenuga commended the LASTMA team for their dedication and thanked the Ministry of Transportation for the opportunity to contribute to this vital cause.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS DEPUTY GOVERNOR CELEBRATES OVER 5000 NEWLY TRAINED LAE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

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Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, recently celebrated the graduation of 5,803 law enforcement officers at the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) Passing Out Parade held at the LASTMA Annex Office, Oshodi. The Deputy Governor ably represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted Lagos as Africa’s 5th largest economy and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to staff welfare and professional development. “LETI’s training programs have greatly improved grassroots governance, with past participants earning community trust through their professionalism. The new graduates are expected to uphold and surpass these standards”, He said. Dr. Hamzat commended LETI for improving law enforcement professionalism and trusted the new graduates to excel in their roles. He stressed the need for public cooperation, noting that security efforts succeed with community support. In his keynote address, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, praised LETI for its professionalism, commitment, and adherence to its mandate. He asserted the government’s focus on equipping officers with the necessary skills, ensuring no one is assigned duties without proper training. The Attorney-General highlighted the new LETI law signed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to law and order. LETI CEO, Mrs. Abiola Adeyinka, urged the officers to prioritize integrity and professionalism, thanking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the Institute. The ceremony highlighted the officers’ training in emotional intelligence, professionalism, and use of force, enhancing their capacity to maintain peace and order in Lagos State.

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PRESS RELEASE: OPD Commemorates International Day For Elimination Of Violence Against women and Children with Advocacy Campaign .

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Lagos State Office of Public Defender today commemorated the annual International Day For Elimination of violence against women and children with advocacy campaign held at some selected markets within Lagos Mainland Local government area. The programe themed “Orange the world :Time to Act Now” was organized to raise awareness and highlight lasting solution to stop violence against women and girls.. Among the Markets reached for the advocacy campaign rally were Oyingbo , Ido, Mokoko, Sabo and Yaba markets where the campaign teams engaged the market women about the Theme of the campaign and responsibilities of OPD Speaking during the campaign rally, the Director, Office of Public Defender, Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju stated that annually, from November 25 to December 10, the world observes the 16 days of activism against gender- based violence, the campaign that aims to raise awareness and to mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. She said ‘ It is part of the responsibilities of OPD to provide free legal services to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the States with emphasis on issues threatening the socio-economic right of the poor as well as other disadvantaged group like women and children”. Adesomoju further states “the Agency is celebrating, commemorating and raising awareness on the violence and also for the members of Public to be more enlightened on the responsibilities and mandates of the Agency and State Government ‘s policy on Access to justice.” Olusesi OlatundeHead, Public AffairsOPD.6/12/2024

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS APPOINTS SOLICITOR GENERAL AND PERMANENT SECRETARY

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The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, 22nd November 2024, appointed and swore-in Mr. Oyenuga Hameed Olanrewaju as the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. Mr. Oyenuga was sworn-in alongside other newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in a ceremony held at the Lagos House, Ikeja. Born on November 30, 1966, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Mr. Hameed Olanrewaju Oyenuga attended Jamatul-Islamiyyah Primary School and Government College, Ikorodu, before earning his Law degree (LL.B Hons.) from Rivers State University of Science and Technology in 1989 Oyenuga was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 and began his career as a Legal Officer with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission in 1991. Over the years, he served across all Local Governments in Lagos State before transitioning to the Ministry of Justice in 2006, where he rose to the position of Director of Civil Litigation in 2013, coordinating litigation for and in defence of the State Civil cases until his appointment as SG/PS. A member of both the Nigerian and International Bar Associations, Mr. Oyenuga has attended numerous local and international conferences, seminars, and management courses. Known for his commitment to excellence in civil litigation,he is married with children and enjoys reading and traveling at his leisure time.

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PRESS RELEASE: LAGOS ATTORNEY GENERAL CHARGE NEWLY APPOINTED SOLICITOR GENERAL AND PERMANENT SECRETARY ON UPHOLDING JUSTICE AND INTEGRITY

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The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has called on Mr. Oyenuga Hameed Olanrewaju, the newly appointed Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, to prioritize upholding justice, fairness, and integrity in his new role. The charge was disclosed at the reception organized by the Ministry of Justice on Friday, 22nd November, 2024 at the Conference room, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Speaking at the reception, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the critical role of the Solicitor General in ensuring the effective administration of justice. “This is a position of immense responsibility, and I have no doubt that Mr. Hameed Oyenuga will rise to the occasion. I urge him to continue demonstrating the integrity and professionalism for which he is known and to focus on fostering trust in our legal system,” the Attorney General stated. In his remarks, Mr. Oyenuga expressed gratitude to the Governor, Attorney General and members of staff in the ministry for the opportunity and pledged to serve with dedication and transparency. “This appointment is both an honor and a responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that the Ministry of Justice remains a beacon of fairness and accountability in Lagos State,” he affirmed. The reception was attended by dignitaries, family, and friends who lauded Mr. Oyenuga’s track record of excellence and dedication to service. They described him as a man deeply committed to fairness and justice, both in his professional and personal life. Close friends and colleagues shared personal stories, praising his humility, resilience, and dedication. The event concluded with renewed optimism for the Ministry of Justice as Mr. Oyenuga Hameed Olanrewaju begins his tenure with a firm resolve to uphold the values of justice, fairness, and the rule of law in Lagos State. Mr. Oyenuga Hameed Olanrewaju, born on November 30, 1966, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, attended Jamatul-Islamiyyah Primary School and Government College, Ikorodu, before earning his Law degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990, he began his career as a Legal Officer with the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission in 1991 and worked in various local Government as a legal Officer.In 2006,he was redeployed to the Mainstream of the Lagos State Public Service and posted the Ministry of Justice. He rose through the ranks in various departments within MOJ especially the Directorate of Civil Litigation, coordinating litigation for and in defense of the State Civil cases. A member of both the Nigerian and International Bar Associations, he has attended numerous local and international conferences, seminars, and management courses. He is married with children and enjoys reading and traveling in his leisure time.

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PRESS RELEASE: PREROGATIVE OF MERCY

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SANWO-OLU APPROVES RELEASE OF 55 INMATES. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, on the 15th of October, 2024 on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy has approved the release of 55 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State.The release order was for the immediate release of 40 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional term of between 3 – 6 months. This is in exercise of the Governors powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended). The approval for the release of the inmates is also in line with the commitment of Mr.Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching it’s recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. The release order is to be complied with after completion of release administrative process by the correctional facilities. Signed Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN.Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.5th November, 2024.

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