The Lagos State Government has approved two new bills aimed at reforming land administration and marriage registration procedures in the state.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the approval during the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing held on Wednesday. The event marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Pedro explained that the first bill proposes the establishment of a Lis Pendens Registry, a legal mechanism to record all ongoing litigations related to land. The registry is designed to protect members of the public from inadvertently purchasing or transacting on disputed properties.
The second bill seeks to create a Marriage and Dissolution Registry that will document all forms of marriages conducted in Lagos State and issue official marriage certificates.
“The executive council has approved these bills for legislative consideration to improve governance and legal clarity in key areas of public interest,” Pedro said.
In addition, the Justice Ministry has prepared an amendment to the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2016 to address exploitative rental practices in the housing sector. The proposed changes aim to regulate arbitrary rent increases, reduce incidents of unpaid rent arrears, and streamline tenancy litigation procedures.
“It has become necessary for us to checkmate activities of stakeholders in this industry. We need to curb exploitative rental practices in a city like Lagos,” Pedro emphasized.
The ministry has also drafted a bill to harmonise three existing laws dealing with sexual and domestic violence. According to Pedro, the unified legislation will provide a stronger legal framework for protecting victims and prosecuting offenders.
On the criminal justice front, the commissioner revealed the launch of the Lagos Criminal Information System, a digital platform that automates the management of all criminal cases pending at the state’s magistrates’ and high courts. “This innovation simplifies case tracking and enhances transparency in criminal proceedings,” he said.
Pedro expressed concern over the overcrowded correctional facilities in the state, noting that the current inmate population stands at 9,096—106 percent above capacity. He acknowledged the severity of the issue but remained optimistic about improvements.
Crime statistics, he noted, identified Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Lekki as the top three areas for criminal activity.
The commissioner also highlighted the vital roles of various directorates and agencies under the Justice Ministry, including the Civil Litigation, Public Prosecutions, Citizens’ Rights, Commercial Law, Legislative Drafting, Law Reform Commission, Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Office of the Public Defender, and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
“Justice is not just about courts and laws; it is the bedrock of a safe, fair, and thriving society,” Pedro concluded. “Without the rule of law, there can be no sustainable investment or social progress.”