The Lagos State Government hosted a Special ‘Lagos Day’ during the 2024 edition of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference. The event took place on Tuesday at a specially constructed marquee within the conference venue at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said that the event was organized to showcase Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and innovative strides at one of Africa’s largest gatherings of legal professionals.
“Special Lagos Day presents a unique opportunity to highlight the culture, history, and traditions that make Lagos truly special, while also demonstrating our achievements and future projects. We are proud to host this event and look forward to giving attendees an authentic Lagos experience,” Pedro stated. Pedro further explained that the exhibition this year focused on incorporating advanced technology to allow virtual participation.
“In previous years, various agencies showcased different aspects of Lagos on screen. This year, technology enables us to present the same achievements virtually, allowing participants to experience the essence of Lagos, whether they are physically present or attending remotely,” he said. The event provided attendees with a glimpse of the affection and beauty of Lagos, especially for those visiting the state for the first time.
“We must make it different and allow people who may only be here for the four or five days of the conference to leave with a memorable taste of what Lagos looks like.” He further spoke on the future of Lagos, particularly its collaboration with the federal government to ensure smooth civil law enactment and execution in the state. Pedro said the recent Justice Reform Summit organized by the Ministry of Justice, which aims to revamp the justice system to promote economic growth, investment protection, and security.
He pointed out that the reform would tackle issues such as delayed justice, which has long plagued the system. “Justice delayed is justice denied. We are bringing in a new dimension, changing the narrative from the next judicial session.
Our goal is to ensure that cases do not last more than two years, with landlord-tenant disputes resolved within three to six months,” Pedro said. He also discussed the importance of economic accountability and the role of law in fostering growth. “We want to use the justice system to encourage economic activity and ensure that investments are protected.
This will address issues such as housing deficits and promote sustainable development,” Pedro explained. When asked about the federal government’s recent revision of judicial officers’ salaries, Pedro assured that Lagos State has its own structure in place to ensure the welfare of magistrates and state counsels. He hinted at forthcoming improvements for magistrates, to be announced in the coming months, further emphasizing Lagos State’s commitment to providing its judicial officers with the necessary tools and facilities to perform their duties effectively.
The Special Lagos Day at the NBA conference was a resounding success, offering participants a rich blend of culture, innovation, and legal insight, all wrapped in the vibrant spirit of Lagos..
