partnerships and collaborations

… advocates for changes in land laws to address coastal threats in the state. With the goal of improving collaborations amongst ministries and agencies in the State, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, organized a two-day stakeholders’ meeting with MDAs, themed “Enhancing Collaboration for Effective Justice Delivery,” from Wednesday, 23rd to Thursday, 24th October, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The meeting focused on addressing judicial challenges and promoting stronger cooperation among key institutions. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, while officially declaring the event opened, emphasized the significance of the Ministry’s efforts in organizing the program, noting that the state government is dedicated to creating a more responsive, inclusive, and efficient justice system for the benefit of all Lagosians, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. He acknowledged the complexity of justice delivery, noting that the difference between African countries and other developed nations is the rule of law and its advancements in science and technology. Hamzat stated that the rule of law is increasingly becoming a subset of technology and science, as both are transforming many lives, whether we embrace it or not. The Deputy Governor expressed concern about delays in justice, citing the prolonged case of a BRT driver accused of rape and murder, which has remained unresolved for over a year. He called on participants to critically review Lagos’ judicial processes and seek lasting solutions to these inefficiencies. He also called for urgent reforms in land management laws to combat the growing threats posed by climate change, particularly in a coastal city like Lagos. He stated that Lagos, a rapidly growing coastal megacity, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The combination of high population density, rapid urbanization, and being situated along the coast makes the city prone to flooding, land erosion, and subsidence. “The rising sea levels, along with the extreme weather patterns we are witnessing, place Lagos at significant risk of sinking in a few years if immediate action is not taken,” the Deputy Governor warned. He stressed that the existing land management system must be overhauled to mitigate these risks and ensure the future sustainability of the state. The Deputy Governor also highlighted that managing land effectively is a persistent challenge in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. “With a complex system of land ownership, traditional land rights, and bureaucratic processes, without proper regulation and reforms in land laws, we are not just risking environmental catastrophe but also exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities,” the Deputy Governor noted. He however, proposed that new land policies must take into account climate resilience and environmental sustainability. This includes better planning to prevent overdevelopment in flood-prone areas, stricter regulations on construction near the coastline, and enhanced public awareness of the environmental consequences of unregulated land use. Furthermore, the Deputy Governor called on all stakeholders, including environmental agencies, urban planners, and community leaders, to work together in addressing these issues. He called for immediate action to reform land laws in a way that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and the long-term security of the state’s coastal communities. Speaking earlier, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, expressed his pleasure in hosting the event and underscored the importance of collaboration in the pursuit of justice. The AG stressed that the stakeholders meeting is a continuation of the discussions held earlier this year at the Y2024 Lagos Justice Summit, where recommendations were made to strengthen cooperation, transparency, and coordination among stakeholders. “The meeting will focus on several critical areas, starting with enhancing the co-ordination between law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Justice” Pedro stated. He mentioned that one of the key areas of discussion is the growing number of cases involving the Lagos State Government that are currently pending in court. “As of July 2024, over 6,000 cases are tied to the government, spanning issues such as land disputes, physical planning, housing, road transportation, environment, chieftaincy matters, breach of contract, employment, and fundamental human rights. The financial exposure of these cases is estimated to be ₦114.5 billion”, He noted. He further stated that another session will focus on environmental and physical planning, with stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, LASEPA, and other related agencies, discussing ways to improve service delivery in environmental management and urban development”. Proceeding to note that in the area of land administration, representatives from the Lands Bureau, NTDA, Office of the Surveyor General, and related agencies will rub minds to harmonize operations and address gaps in the enforcement of land-related laws. Pedro emphasized the need for stronger enforcement strategies while ensuring that agency actions align with existing laws and are people-friendly. Whilst drawing attention to issues related to chieftaincy matters and local government administration, the AG noted that there will be  discussions centered on the proliferation of chieftaincy titles and the involvement of traditional rulers in land transactions, as well as the increasing number of litigations surrounding these issues and finally, the future of local government administration in Lagos State will be explored, with a focus on improving efficiency and reducing conflicts. In reaffirming the State Government’s dedication to maintaining the rule of law, Pedro emphasized that delivering justice is not solely the responsibility of one institution; rather, it necessitates a collaborative effort that involves all legislative arms of government, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and the broader community. The opening ceremony concluded with a call for all stakeholders to engage meaningfully and contribute to building a more responsive, inclusive, and efficient justice system in Lagos State. The Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption while ensuring that the rights of Lagosians are protected. Giving the vote of thanks, the Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, MOJ, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, extended his appreciation to all participants, acknowledging their dedication to justice delivery and governance. In his remarks, Oyenuga  emphasized the importance of collaboration among various sectors in ensuring a more effective and transparent justice system.