Lagos justice ministry prioritises, digital transformation — AG

June 25, 2026 1:42 am

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), has announced plans to enhance performance reviews across all directorates and departments within the Ministry of Justice.

Pedro disclosed this on Friday at the Ministry’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting with State Counsel in Ikeja, Lagos, under the theme “Enhancing Service Delivery, Professional Excellence, and Justice Sector Reform.”

He added that the ministry aimed to promote the adoption of technology-driven legal services as part of ongoing reforms in the justice sector.

The Attorney General said the second half of the year would witness increased emphasis on accountability, institutional effectiveness and measurable outcomes in line with the ministry’s reform agenda.

“In the months ahead, we shall place increased emphasis on performance review and accountability. Every directorate and department must continuously assess its effectiveness and measure outcomes against established targets,” he said.

According to Pedro, strategic engagements would also be held with senior officials to evaluate institutional performance and strengthen capacity-building initiatives across the ministry.

He stressed that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice occupied a critical position in governance, describing it as the principal legal institution responsible for promoting justice, upholding the rule of law and providing responsive legal services to government and citizens.

The Attorney General also highlighted the growing importance of technology in modern legal practice, noting that the justice sector must evolve to keep pace with global developments.

“The future of legal practice is increasingly digital,” he said, pointing to e-filing systems, virtual court proceedings, digital records management, legal research technologies and artificial intelligence as innovations transforming legal service delivery.

Pedro, however, cautioned that the deployment of technology must be accompanied by strict adherence to professional ethics and data security standards.

“As we adopt these technologies, we must maintain the highest standards of data protection, cybersecurity and professional responsibility,” he explained.

Pedro reiterated the need for legal officers to maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability.

“Integrity remains our most valuable asset. Public confidence in the Ministry depends not only on the quality of our work but also on the character of those who perform it,” he stated.

The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Hameed Oyenuga, also urged state counsel to embrace innovation, professionalism and accountability to meet the evolving demands of legal service delivery and public administration.

In his welcome address, the permanent secretary described the gathering as an important opportunity to review the ministry’s performance in the first half of 2026 and chart a strategic course for the remainder of the year.

“This meeting comes at an important point as it provides us with the opportunity not only to reflect on our achievements and experiences during the first half of the year but also to renew our collective commitment to excellence in service, professional growth and the advancement of justice administration in Lagos State,” he enunciated.

Oyenuga noted that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice occupied a unique position in government as the chief legal institution responsible for promoting justice, upholding the rule of law and providing responsive legal services across ministries, departments and agencies.

According to him, the ministry’s work has a direct impact on governance, public trust, economic growth and the protection of citizens’ rights, making it imperative for legal officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

“The demands placed upon all state counsel continue to evolve. Today, legal service delivery requires not only technical competence but also innovation, adaptability, integrity, leadership and a strong commitment to public service values,” he said.

He stated that the theme of the meeting reflects the ministry’s determination to improve service delivery, deepen accountability and strengthen institutional capacity in response to changes in legal practice and public administration.

“It challenges us to critically examine our processes, improve efficiency, embrace innovation, deepen accountability, and position ourselves to respond effectively to the changing landscape of legal practice and public administration,” he said.

Onozure Dania

Onozure is a correspondent of The PUNCH on the judiciary beat. She has over a decade experience covering criminal and civil matters from the magistrate to the appellate courts. She’s a graduate of Political Science

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