Lagos Judiciary Summit Calls for Faster Justice as New Legal Year Begins

The Lagos State Judiciary's inaugural Legal Year Summit emphasized the need for judicial independence, integrity, technological advancements, and expedited justice delivery. Held at Jewel Aeida in Lekki, the summit centered on the theme "Justice as an Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening the Judiciary for Africa's Fifth Largest Economy".

Key figures such as Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, CON addressed the gathering, advocating for an efficient and accessible legal system that supports economic growth. Fashola proposed a comprehensive review of court users and the creation of a judicial ombudsman to gather unbiased feedback on the justice system's performance.

Lawmaker Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted delays in case resolution as a significant hurdle, asserting that enhancing justice delivery necessitates cooperation from the Judiciary, Executive, Legislature, legal profession, and the public. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called for increased public comprehension of the law, including offering legal explanations in local languages.

The summit came after Monday's activities marking the 2026/2027 Legal Year's start, including joint thanksgiving services at the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Lagos Central Mosque. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a message, urged judges and lawyers to safeguard the Judiciary's independence and stability beyond political changes. Chief Judge Kazeem Alogba pledged dedication to upholding the rule of law and encouraged complaints against judicial officers to be directed through proper channels.